Kohima, Dec 8 (NationPress) The eighth day of the 25th Hornbill Festival highlighted the colorful cultural legacy of Nagaland, with 18 cultural troupes captivating audiences through various traditional performances at the main stage in the beautiful Naga heritage village Kisama on Sunday.

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya was present to witness the stunning traditional cultural displays.

On Sunday, a variety of performances illuminated the deep-rooted traditions of Nagaland's tribes. With a population of two million (where tribals make up 86.5 percent), Nagaland is home to 17 tribes, each with its own unique festivals.

The Pochury cultural troupe showcased the Atitidoh (folk song), while the Sumi cultural troupe performed the Thihele (rice pounding song). The Kachari cultural troupe presented a commemorative act, as did the Sangtam cultural troupe, and the Yimkhiung cultural troupe demonstrated a Log Drum pulling.

The Zeliang cultural troupe performed the Hunginang (folk song), the Kuki cultural troupe showcased the Salu Lap Lam (folk dance), the Chang cultural troupe presented the Pnangan Chia (folk dance), the Lotha cultural troupe highlighted tiger hunting, the Konyak cultural troupe offered a commemorative performance, and the Garo cultural troupe presented the Badi Dake Na Ade (folk song).

The Khiamniungan cultural troupe performed the Elie Zuihang (post-war dance), the Rengma cultural troupe showcased the Anga KaghajuKhwi (lullaby), the Tikhir cultural troupe highlighted the Tanta Nyit (millet harvesting song), the Angami cultural troupe presented Nuopie Pfhe (lullaby/cradle song), the Ao cultural troupe illustrated the chase of hen by female eagle (game), the Chakhesang cultural troupe performed the Kro Phekechu (folk dance), and the Phom cultural troupe demonstrated the Mishi Songola (fire making).

After witnessing the cultural performances, Central Minister Mandaviya expressed on the X platform: "Absolutely mesmerised! Witnessed the amazing Hornbill Festival 2024 in Nagaland, a grand celebration of the state’s rich traditions, vibrant dances, and soulful music."

"Received a warm and traditional welcome at the vibrant Hornbill Festival 2024 at the Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland. Grateful for the hospitality to witness these diverse and colorful celebrations," he added.

Alongside other domestic and international guests, Mandaviya also visited the World War II Cemetery in Kohima to pay respects to the courageous soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the conflict.

He shared on the X platform: "Paid tribute to the brave personnel who sacrificed their lives during World War II while serving in the British Army at the War Cemetery in Kohima, Nagaland. People of Bharat have always stood by the world in times of need."

During this ongoing silver jubilee edition of the Hornbill Festival, Japan, the US, the United Kingdom (Wales), Peru, and Bulgaria participated as country partners, while Sikkim and Telangana were the partner states.

In addition to daily performances from numerous cultural troupes, other highlights of this landmark silver jubilee edition of the 10-day Hornbill Festival included local product sales, handloom and handicrafts, artworks, horticulture, traditional stone pulling ceremony, film festival, photo fest, heritage walk, kids’ carnival, International Hornbill Naga Wrestling, and indigenous games and sports festival, among others.

Local cuisine, food festivals, competitions for Naga King chilli and pineapple eating, a World War II rally, adventure outdoor activities, mountain biking, Dzukou Valley Day Hikes, Bamboo Carnival, and Night Carnival were further significant attractions of this annual gala celebration.