The inaugural edition of the three-day, Hornbill extension kicked off with a grand celebration at the District Sports Council Ground in Zunheboto on December 5.
The event held under the theme “Celebrating Nagaland’s Rich Heritage,” was organized by the Sumi Youth Organization and witnessed a large gathering of locals and dignitaries
On the second day on December 6, minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, was the special guest.
In his address, Temjen Imna appealed to Sumi Hoho and other frontal organizations to support Sumi youth organizations in celebrating bigger events, promoting cultural exchange, and preserving unique culture and traditions.
He encouraged exploring and experiencing the living culture outside of Nagaland, fostering a sense of shared identity among the Naga people.
He also emphasized the importance of unity and collective efforts in promoting Naga heritage and fostering a brighter future for the state and its people. Temjen Imna also encouraged making a networking to showcase and explore local indigenous handicrafts of Sumi tribe to exchange with other communities.
Kikheto Muru vice president of Sumi Hoho delivered a greeting message. On behalf of Sumi Hoho, Kikheto thanked and appreciated the S.Y.O (Sumi Youth Organization) for the brilliant idea of coming out with Hornbill extension.
He said that since all the people cannot go to Kisama to attend the festival, it was an excellent opportunity for the district to celebrate the Hornbill festival along with the rest of Nagaland.
DC Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali also delivered a speech and Hikavi H Kinimi president Sumi Youth Organisation delivered a presidential address. Sumi Folk dance was performed by Usutomi Village and various cultural activities were also presented in the Hornbill Extension at Zunheboto
Earlier, the inaugural event was graced by advisor of School Education & SCERT, Dr. Kekhrie Yhome. In his address, Dr. Yhome highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating the traditions, customs, and cultural practices of Nagaland. He said Hornbill Festival itself may not have been celebrated by the forefathers of the Naga tribes, but has grown into a unifying event that brings people together.
He therefore encouraged the people of Zunheboto to find a permanent venue for the festival, advocate for government support, and use the occasion to showcase the state’s rich cultural identity to the world.
Dr.Yhome also mentioned that the Sumi people, as one of the major tribes in Nagaland, should be proud of their heritage and continue promoting unity among different tribes in the state. He further expressed optimism that education and religion would help uplift the people of Nagaland.
Earlier, the event was chaired by Tavinto K. Sumi, president of the Green Club Zunheboto and began with an invocation by Ghunato Assumi, associate pastor of SBCZ.
Welcome speech was delivered by Vihoto Zhimo, deputy chairperson of Zunheboto Town Council, who also extended greetings.
The event’s highlight included speeches by prominent figures such as Akukau Hetoho S. Zhimomi, president of Sumi Kukami Hoho, who conveyed his gratitude to Hikavi H. Kinimi, president of the Sumi Youth Organization, and the team for organizing the first edition of the Hornbill Extension. He also reminded stall owners on the importance of adhering to the norms and preserve the culture during the festival.
The festival, which will runs for three days, will feature a variety of cultural and traditional exhibitions, including the Sumi Indigenous Martial Art Sparring (Apukhu Kiti) and a Tug of War competition. Additionally, attendees will be treated to performances by local artists, such as Mengu Suokhrie, Keneisenuo Sorhie, Nikato Tamang, Physco K4, and District Band Zunheboto.
The evening events will be hosted by Miss Nagaland 2022, Hikali Achumi, and Global Model India, Tonoto Zhimomi. Hornbill Extension festival also garnered support from various dignitaries, including minister for Higher Education and Tourism, Government of Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along, former minister Y Vikheho Swu, Additional Director of Tourism, T. Kakihe Sumi, and others.
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