Tikhir tribe makes emotional Hornbill Festival debut

KISAMA — The past few days have been an emotional experience for Kiukhimshe, a 43-year- old Tikhir woman who is experiencing the Hornbill Festival for the first time.

Kiukhimshe is a member of the Mining Hill Cultural Troupe, consisting of 50 individuals from Pokhpur village in Kiphire district. The members of the groups embarked on a 19-hour journey covering 307 kilometres to reach the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, with a set purpose to represent the Tikhir community in its maiden entry to the Hornbill Festival.

The Tikhirs were officially recognised as a separate Naga tribe on January 19, 2022, but were unable to participate in the festivities owing to the Eastern Naga People’s Organisation (ENPO) call for boycott of the festival last year.

Interacting with Eastern Mirror, Kiukhimshe became emotional as she reflected on receiving the unique opportunity to represent her tribe for their festival debut. She shared her excitement on witnessing various Naga tribes, their diverse cultures and traditions, along with the presence of numerous visitors and tourists including foreigners.

“Seeing the various tribes of Nagas and their cultures and traditions, we are feeling so excited and so happy and everyone looks beautiful and colourful. With this experience, we will come more prepared for the next terms and present better,” she said.

Kiukhimshe highlighted the historic nature of the moment, especially for Tikhir women, as they participate in the festival for the first time. All 29 female cultural troupe members are first timers in the festival and everyone is feeling so excited, she said.

She reiterated that this inaugural participation holds special significance and that it has been a learning experience, and a delight to be part of history.

Yanksuthong Tikhir who is the village council chairman (VCC) of Pokphur village, expressed a blend of emotions— excitement and a touch of apprehension.

“While we are thrilled about the opportunity, there is a sense of uncertainty about whether we will be able to present their cultural showcase effectively on the Hornbill festival stage, as we lack the experience,” the 43-year-old shared.

The chairman shared that the troupe initially harboured doubts about their performance, fearing mistakes. However, after their first performance they discovered that the experience was joyous and not as challenging as they had anticipated.

Attributing the doubts to the short notice given to them, Yanksuthong disclosed that they had just three days to prepare for their performance as they were uncertain about their participation since the ENPO had, till then, not announced its decision on whether the eastern Nagaland tribes would take part in the festival.

 “Despite short notice and limited rehearsal time, the members have gathered in their cultural and traditional attires to perform and represent the Tikhir tribes for the first time,” he said.

The chairman acknowledged the state government for the recognition of the tribe and the opportunity to participate in the ‘festival of festivals’ before it reached the 25th edition.

“Ami khahn toh bishi khushi pai aseh! (We are very happy),” he remarked.

According to the Yanksuthong, the cultural troupe members are aged between 35 years and above, with a few of them reported to be sexagenarians. The troupe comprises 21 males who will be performing three folk dances, two folk songs and a traditional fire-making display. The 29 female members will showcase an indigenous game, among other activities.

He also informed that the Tikhirs celebrate three major festivals— Tsonglaknyi which is celebrated in October as a time for the warriors to sanctify their shields; the Morung festival in January during which the Morungs are dedicated and the harvest celebrated and, the sowing festival in March where mainly the women mark the beginning of the agricultural cycle.

The Tikhir community sustains itself through agriculture, primarily engaging in shifting cultivation, with Job’s tears and millets as major crops. They do not adopt terrace cultivation, citing a lack of expertise and no exposure to the method, despite having suitable landscapes and water sources.

In this connection, the chairman said that the community is open to embracing terrace cultivation if the government intervenes and imparts the necessary skills and knowledge.

Additionally, he informed that there are 25 Tikhir villages and the areas covered by the tribe are rich in flora and fauna. The VCC also informed that Pokphur village, situated along the Indo-Myanmar border at 139 international pillar, now has 135 households.

Among the seniors in the cultural troupe is 69-year-old, R Shuto, a Gaon Bura (GB) of Pokphur village, who along with few other elders, accompanied the younger members to encourage them.

“This is the first time that we are getting to see how the rest of the Nagas are showcasing their cultures and we are also learning a lot from them, as for a very long time we have not been part of the festival,” the GB said.

He shared that within the cultural troupe, there are numerous members who, despite hearing about the Hornbill Festival, have never witnessed how it was conducted. The majority of them are experiencing the festival for the first time.

“Within these few days alone, it has been an enriching experience and in the future, we will come more prepared for different performances,” he said, adding that the members have been engaged in discussions for the same.

Another GB, T Khiungju shared his delight at participating in the festival. He remarked that he has witnessed things that were previously unseen, and these experiences have inspired them to become better. With the Tikhir tribe now being recognised, he emphasised their commitment to actively participate in government-organised programmes.

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