Kohima, Dec 7 (LatestNewsX) – On Sunday, the seventh day of the 26th Hornbill Festival unfolded an exuberant showcase of folk traditions from all eight Northeastern states. The performances, staged at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, highlighted the region’s rich cultural mosaic, stretching from the towering hills of Nagaland and Meghalaya down to the valleys of Manipur and Mizoram, across Assam’s mighty Brahmaputra, and into the distinct heritages of Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Sikkim.
The Cultural Connect event at Unity Plaza in the same village was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, with Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor, School Education, SCERT, serving as co‑host. Highlights included Mizoram’s “Cheraw (Bamboo) Dance,” celebrated for its rhythmic bamboo staves, and the Sarlamkai warrior dance that symbolizes triumph.
Representing Arunachal Pradesh, the Nyishi community presented Juju Jaja Jaminja, a harvest ritual invoked to honor the Deity of Wealth, alongside Rikhampada, a collection of devotional and romantic songs traditionally sung by women. In Manipur, the Kabui Rongmei people showcased Duisha Laam – the Waterfall Dance, echoing the graceful flow of water – and Kit Laam, inspired by the lively movements of crickets post‑monsoon.
Tripura’s Chakma dancers performed the renowned Bizu Dance, known for its abrupt pauses, and the Jhum Dance, which depicts the various stages of shifting cultivation through circular and linear formations. From Meghalaya, the Khasi community performed the Mastieh Dance, a thanksgiving ritual to express gratitude to the Creator for health and prosperity, along with a Harvest Dance joyous in its male and female participation.
Nagaland’s Lotha women brought forward Nzanta, a post‑harvest thanksgiving dance, and Mungyanta, showcased during the Tokhu Emong festival to celebrate the bounty of their labor. In Sikkim, the Bhutia community performed the Snow Lion Dance (Singhi Chham), paying homage to Mt. Khangchendzonga, revered as a snow lion symbolizing fortune and prosperity.
The Karbi community from Assam presented Chong Kedam, a martial dance traditionally performed during Chomangkan to safeguard the spirits of the deceased from malevolent forces. The entire event was curated by the North East Zone Cultural Centre in Dimapur (NEZCC).
Guided by its motto “Unity through Culture,” NEZCC serves as a guardian of the region’s artistic heritage, facilitating cultural exchange and representing the Northeast on national and international stages. sc/uk
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