Highland Festival 2026, featuring the Miss Kiphire 2026 pageant, concluded on October 31 at the Public Ground, Kiphire under the theme “Rooted in Resilience, Rising in Grace.”
Kiphire, November 2 (MExN): The two-day Highland Festival 2026, featuring the Miss Kiphire 2026 pageant, concluded on October 31 at the Public Ground, Kiphire under the theme “Rooted in Resilience, Rising in Grace.”
The festival, held on October 30 and 31, was supported by S Kiusumew Yimchunger, MLA and Advisor for Home Guards and Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services, Relief and Rehabilitation, along with the District Administration Kiphire and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland.
A press release received here stated that the opening programme on October 30 was graced by Longdiba L Sangtam, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, as the special guest. In his address, he appreciated Highland Events for organising an initiative that promotes art and culture, tourism, entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment, and highlighted the importance of unity, love and togetherness among the people.
In his opening remarks, Khumpile Ayong, Advisor, Highland Events, underscored the festival’s role in promoting local culture, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing opportunities for young people to showcase their talents. He said the festival aimed to connect cultural traditions with modern opportunities and contribute to the development of Kiphire.
The opening ceremony featured a cultural performance led by Tsarola Y. Sangtam and her crew, while Dr Bhem Sapkota, Pastor of Nepali Baptist Church, Kiphire, offered the invocation.
The first evening featured musical performances by guest artists, including Leochum V Thonger, popularly known as Leo Thonger, who performed with Visa Roths. Performances by Lenen Jamir and Albert Jingru, along with cultural presentations, added to the celebration. A special screening of “The Old Ways,” featuring Thsalongse, was also presented.
The second day featured cultural events, capacity-building and marketing programmes, a trade show and the grand finale of Miss Kiphire 2026. The Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Nagaland, sponsored the capacity-building and marketing programmes to encourage local entrepreneurship and strengthen business opportunities.
The trade show provided a platform for local entrepreneurs and producers to display Kiphire-made products, highlighting the skills, creativity and business potential of the people. YouthNet facilitated a help desk, providing guidance and information on available opportunities for young people.
S Tsaseto Sangtam attended the second day as the special guest. In his address, he highlighted the tourism potential of Kiphire, mentioning destinations such as Zinki River, Singrep Adventure, Mount Saramati and Mimi Cave, along with other scenic locations in the district.
He encouraged young people to explore tourism-related opportunities and stressed the importance of proper tour-guide training to develop professional skills and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also appreciated the Highland Festival as a new initiative that could help local people discover their potential in tourism, business and entrepreneurship.
The grand finale of Miss Kiphire 2026 featured various performances, including a musical tribute by Tsarola Y Sangtam and Leo Thonger, a special video presentation titled “Discover Kiphire,” a dance performance celebrating unity, the designer round and the “Heritage in Style” ethnic wear round.
The event also featured musical performances by KL Pamei and Akhrieze. The contributions of sponsors, event partners and the creative team, including groomers, choreographers, designers, makeup artists and hairstylists, were acknowledged.
The competition proceeded through question-and-answer rounds, the announcement of the Top Five finalists and special awards, and the farewell walk of Miss Kiphire 2025, culminating in the crowning of Miss Kiphire 2026.
The organisers expressed appreciation to the District Administration Kiphire, Nagaland State Cooperative Bank, State Bank of India, White Magic (Anar Telecom), Temsuwati Longkumer, DC, Kiphire, Shangsila Mongzar, Tsatongse Guest House, Fire and Emergency Services, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Akashvani All India Radio, Kohima, SP Office Kiphire and YouthNet for their support and cooperation.
