The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland came alive with a spectacular display of unity, strength, and cultural pride as 1,500 members of the Angami Naga tribe participated in the much-anticipated Stone-Pulling Ceremony on Wednesday. Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, the participants pulled a massive 15-tonne stone for nearly four kilometers along the winding roads of Kisama, attracting both local and international visitors.
The ceremony, a hallmark of Angami Naga culture, features a gigantic stone—measuring 24 feet long, 6 feet wide, and 1.8 feet thick—being pulled with the help of thick ropes. As the stone was hauled, the air was filled with the sound of traditional tunes hummed by the men and the occasional gunshots fired to encourage the participants. Women, clad in colorful dresses, walked alongside the stone-bearers, carrying bamboo baskets filled with edibles and water for the participants, further enhancing the communal spirit of the event.
The Stone-Pulling Ceremony is a deeply significant cultural practice for the Angami Naga community, symbolizing strength, unity, and resilience. It was a central attraction on the fourth day of the ongoing Hornbill Festival, which is being held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 kilometers from the state capital, Kohima. The festival, which runs for 10 days, serves as a major tourism promotional event for the state government, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The ceremony was flagged off by Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who expressed admiration for the tradition and its significance. “The pulling of the stone gives us a sense that united we are strong. Just as our ancestors were able to pull heavy stones and logs together, we too can unite to propel our country forward for future generations,” Shekhawat said during his address. He also commended the festival for highlighting Nagaland’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture, emphasizing the potential for it to become a globally recognized event. “With the support of the Government of India, the Ministry of Tourism, and Culture, we can elevate this festival to international recognition and welcome more visitors from across the globe,” Shekhawat added.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who was present at the event, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting the cultural practices of the state’s ancestors. “It is a moment of great happiness to come together like this and celebrate our rich festivals,” Rio said, highlighting the role of such traditions in uniting the people and keeping the cultural flame alive.
The Stone-Pulling Ceremony was followed by a grand community feast, where both locals and tourists shared traditional Angami cuisine, fostering inter-tribal interaction and a deeper appreciation for the cultural diversity of Nagaland.
The Hornbill Festival, which runs from December 1 to 10, is a key event for the people of Nagaland. It provides a platform for showcasing the cultural heritage of the state’s various tribes, promoting tourism, and fostering a sense of unity among the diverse communities. Each year, the festival brings together a wide array of cultural performances, traditional dances, handicrafts, and culinary delights, making it one of the most awaited events in the region.
