A vibrant stone-pulling ceremony marked the ongoing Hornbill Festival 2024 at Kigwema Village, Nagaland, on December 4. Organized by the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) and the Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO), the event showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region. Participants, including men, women, and children in traditional attire, came together to pull a massive ceremonial stone, symbolizing unity and strength within the community. Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attended the ceremony and praised the festival’s role in celebrating Nagaland’s traditions.
“The Hornbill Festival has become a significant platform for showcasing the cultural vibrancy of Nagaland. It reflects India’s inclusive development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” Shekhawat remarked. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the northeast’s development, noting the region’s accelerated progress in recent years. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Chief Host of the event, expressed pride in the community’s participation. “Pulling the stone to Kisama site is a tribute to 25 years of celebrating our rich culture, tradition, and blessings,” he said.
The Hornbill Festival, often referred to as the “Festival of Festivals,” continues to draw visitors from across the globe, fostering cultural exchange and unity while promoting the traditions of Nagaland’s diverse tribes.
