Kohima, Dec 7 (NationPress) The seventh day of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival on Sunday showcased a vibrant display of traditional performances by cultural troupes from all eight Northeastern states at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima.

The cultural exhibitions represented the rich cultural diversity and a celebration of unity among the eight Northeastern states, stretching from the magnificent hills of Nagaland and Meghalaya to the stunning valleys of Manipur and Mizoram, from the powerful Brahmaputra of Assam to the distinctive heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim.

Day 7 of the Cultural Connect event held at Unity Plaza in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton as the host and Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor, School Education, SCERT, as the co-host. Highlights of the day included Mizoram’s Cheraw (Bamboo) Dance, celebrated for its rhythmic utilization of bamboo staves, and Sarlamkai, a warrior dance symbolizing victory.

The Nyishi community from Arunachal Pradesh presented Juju Jaja Jaminja, performed during harvest to invoke the Deity of Wealth, along with Rikhampada, featuring devotional songs and love ballads traditionally sung by women. The Kabui Rongmei community from Manipur showcased Duisha Laam, or the Waterfall Dance, reflecting the graceful flow of water, and Kit Laam, inspired by the lively movement and gaiety of crickets post-monsoon.

Tripura’s Chakma community performed the well-known Bizu Dance, recognized for its sudden pauses, and the Jhum Dance, representing different stages of jhum cultivation through circular and linear formations. Meghalaya’s Khasi community presented the Mastieh Dance, a thanksgiving performance to express gratitude to the Creator for good health and prosperity, alongside a Harvest Dance, joyfully performed by both men and women after the harvest.

From Nagaland, the Lotha women showcased Nzanta, a post-harvest thanksgiving dance, and Mungyanta, performed during the Tokhu Emong festival to celebrate their labor’s fruits. Sikkim’s Bhutia community performed the Snow Lion Dance (Singhi Chham), which honors Mt. Khangchendzonga, believed to resemble the sacred snow lion symbolizing fortune and prosperity.

The Karbi community of Assam presented Chong Kedam, a martial dance usually performed during Chomangkan to protect the spirits of the deceased from evil forces. This cultural event was curated by the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur (NEZCC).

With its motto ‘Unity through Culture,’ the NEZCC serves as a guardian of the rich artistic heritage of the eight Northeastern states, acting as a channel for cultural exchange and facilitating representation of the Northeast at both national and international levels.