Traditional stone-pulling ceremony held at Tuophema village on December 5.
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 5
A traditional stone-pulling ceremony, involving nearly a thousand participants from four Naga communities, was held at Tuophema Village on December 5.
The massive monolith measuring 22 feet long, 5 feet broad, and 2.5 feet thick, weighing an estimated 30 metric tonnes was hauled through the village route by members of the Angami, Sumi, Rengma and Chakhesang Naga communities.
The stone-pulling ritual, one of the most significant cultural traditions of the Angami people, is known for its sheer physical challenge and deep symbolic meaning. Historically performed to commemorate major events, the ceremony showcases unity, strength and collective spirit.
The stone pulling ceremony is one of the major cultural attractions of the Hornbill Festival.
This year’s event was organised by Tuophezou in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and was hosted by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, with Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, as the chief guest.
Speaking at the event, Scindia described the day as “significant not only for Tuophema and Nagaland, but for the entire length and breadth of the nation,” calling the stone-pulling ceremony “a union of body, mind, soul, heart and spirit” and “a day of honour” for the state.
As part of his visit, the Union Minister also inaugurated the Regional Craft & Resource Centre and laid the foundation stone for projects under the Ministry of DoNER at the Multipurpose Hall, Phezou Resort, in the presence of Chief Minister Rio and Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang. Scindia also visited the coffee farms at Tuophema.
Later, during the cultural programme held at the Heliport Tuophe Phezou, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio expressed happiness over the overwhelming participation in the ceremony. “I am extremely happy that the Hornbill Festival has marked this Naga traditional stone-pulling which we observed this morning. I thank all participants, invitees, cultural troupes and tourists who have joined us.”
The CM added that despite the stone’s immense weight, it had successfully been brought into the village and would soon be erected at its designated site.
Participants from Lazami, Dzülhami, Tesophenyu and Zhadima village joined the day-long celebration, and pulling of the stone.
