Deputy Consul General of Australia – Daniel Sim said that Australia has recognized the iconic and world-renowned Hornbill Festival and the rich culture and heritage of the Naga people.

Addressing the afternoon session on the fourth day of the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima in Nagaland as the guest of honour on Saturday, Sim said this festival is the ultimate multi-sensory experience showcasing the special and diverse culture of Nagaland.

Sim said he is looking forward to getting to know the Nagas more through art, music, architecture, textile and handicraft, film and literature and strengthening the links in terms of cultural and trade investment links.

The fourth day of the festival on Saturday witnessed colourful cultural dances, songs and games performed by various tribes of the state during ‘cultural connect session’.

Also read: Assam: Siksha Valley School in Dibrugarh declared micro-containment zone

Mulo Phe (a traditional dance), Kongkik Tokyubü (mouth organ), Rong Dea (stone lifting), An Tepong Raka (cock fight), Yamke Jihang (peace treaty dance), Tati pfe (folk song), Ok-pu Mongme-pu Ongpu (folk dance on victory), Ham Teuk (baking traditional earthen pots) and Sharise (folk dance) were presented in the morning session of the day.

Director general of Assam Rifles Lt. Gen PC Nair, who was the guest of honour of the morning session, said the Hornbill Festival is a very unique festival and a platform for domestic and foreign tourists to come and witness the vibrant traditional events of the various Naga tribes.

Cultural presentations such as Alo Mudan (folk dance), Phakensü (high kicking), Daosri Delia (folk dance), Rangshi Thahmülitaba (indigenous game), Aki Kiti leg fight, Supusu Spear Kicking, Kang-Kap (indigenous game), Magubo (howling) Chen Huma (traditional archery game) by various troupes mesmerized the audience in the afternoon session of the day.

Meanwhile, the tribal affairs department said it will organise catapult target competition at the amphitheatre at Kisama and folk tales narrative event for all the 17 tribes of the state at their respective tribal morung on December 8. Morung is a key institution of the Nagas, and also the centre for social life of all the unmarried male members of the society.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]