Dignitaries and others during Tsüngkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival 2026 on January 17.
Kohima, January 17 (MExN): Tsüngkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival 2026, celebrating the post-harvest winter festival of the Yimkhiung Naga community, concluded at Shamator on January 17.
The festival was marked by cultural performances and inter-community interaction under the Mini Hornbill initiative of the Government of Nagaland.
Dr Sukhato A Sema, MLA graced the closing ceremony as the Special Guest, while Dr. Vihuto Assumi, President, Sümi Hoho, attended as the Tribal Guest.
In his address, Dr Sema expressed his happiness at being part of the Tsüngkamnyo celebration, describing the Mini Hornbill Festival as a meaningful initiative to bring Naga heritage and culture closer to the people.
He highlighted that Tsüngkamnyo, celebrated after the harvest season, symbolises gratitude, harmony, generosity, and togetherness, when communities come together to share food, songs, dances, and strengthen social bonds.
Dr Sema emphasised that Yimkhiung culture has always been preserved through daily life, customs, values, and oral traditions, and stressed the importance of the younger generation carrying forward their heritage with pride and understanding.
He outlined key roles of festivals in society, including fostering social cohesion, promoting harmony and understanding, celebrating diversity, and contributing to economic growth by attracting visitors and supporting local livelihoods.
He remarked that Tsüngkamnyo is not merely a festival, but a social institution that transforms harvest into harmony and tradition into living memory.
Dr Sema recalled the long-standing historical relationship between the Sumi and Yimkhiung communities.
He highlighted milestones such as the translation of the Gospels into the Yimkhiung dialect with Sema support, the Sumi-Yimkhiung friendship meeting at Chessore Village in 1996, and the cultural exchange programme in 2017, noting that these events reflect cooperation shaped by Christianity, education, and modern governance.
He also appreciated S Keoshu Yimkhiung for hosting the Mini Hornbill Festival in the new district of Shamator, stating that such support demonstrates genuine concern for youth, culture, and identity.
Dr Sema further acknowledged the Government of Nagaland under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio for its continued commitment to promoting cultural initiatives of all recognised Naga tribes.
Addressing the youth, Dr Sema urged them to remain rooted in values such as respect, integrity, compassion, and unity while embracing education and opportunities in a fast-changing world.
He also called upon parents, elders, and leaders to guide young people with patience and wisdom.
The programme also featured heritage presentations, including Khungpi by Hanjila S (Shamator Town), Athrong Khün by Khongsa Village, and Yimlukhi Yakli Huhpü by Tsasher Village, showcasing the living cultural heritage of the Yimkhiung people. A significant highlight of the event was the renewal of friendship between the Sumi and Yimkhiung communities.
In his speech, Dr Vihuto Assumi announced that both communities have agreed to organise a friendship event once every three years, to be held alternately at Zunheboto and Shamator headquarters, to further strengthen bonds and mutual understanding. The programme was hosted by S Keoshu Yimkhiung, Advisor, Youth Resources & Sports, Government of Nagaland.
Makezho, Executive Chairman, Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) delivered welcome address.
Cultural performances including a folk song by Chessore Village and a folk fusion presentation by Fusion Ensemble enthralled the audience, reflecting the richness of Yimkhiung traditions. The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Alula Z Thsanso and closing prayer by Yimto, Pastor, YBC Tuensang Town.
The successful hosting of the Tsüngkamnyo Mini Hornbill Festival at Shamator sent a strong message that development and progress in the new district will move forward hand in hand with the preservation of culture, unity, and shared values.
