"Hornbill Festival, Celebration so rare" - Text by Kisheto Kiho, Composed by Hito Kiho

Commissioned by the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Government of Nagaland, a new work for 26th Edition of Hornbill Festival, 2025. This piece, titled “HORNBILL FESTIVAL,CELEBRATION SO RARE” is a unique musical composition that expertly weaves together all 16 tribal dialects of Nagaland into a single song. The beautiful lyrics were penned by Shri Kisheto Kiho,Composed by Mr.Hito Kiho, performed by The Nagaland Madrigal Singers & Eden Hr Sec Choir, Dimapur. The song narrates the complete history of the Hornbill Festival’s inception, showcasing the rich cultural vibrancy that the festival champions. Beyond a simple narrative, this song is a powerful reminder that despite our differences in names and dialects, our unity and oneness remains steadfast. It is a clarion call to all Nagas: as this song remains one cohesive piece, it symbolizes our collective unity, strength, and brotherhood. 1. (Lotha) In the realm of birds (AO) God's creation so grand (SUMI)Our leaders gathered, to choose a symbol of our land (ANGAMI) Hornbill stood tall, with feathers so bright (CHAKESANG) Majestic so, beautiful, (RENGMA) wise, a wondrous sight. (Chorus) : Hornbill Festival, celebration so rare Nagaland's rich culture and tradition to share Our Visitors come from far and wide Our Valley's charm and our Mountain peak so high Nagas unite in ten days of joy, Hornbill's spirit touches the sky 2. (ZELIANG) Young generation's vibrancy, (YIMKHUING) Hornbill's hue so bright (KONYAK) Reflecting land and people, (CHANG) Tribals we are (PHOM) with dialogues so diverse (SANGTAM) Festivals abound, (POCHURY) Hornbill’s story to traverse (KHIAMNUINGAN) a beauty to behold in sight (KUKI) A treasure to expand (TIKHIR) come and witness our rich culture. We would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those friends who helped us out in translation. A special thanks to all the sponsors Eden Hr. Secondary School Mr & Mrs Kisheto Kiho Mr & Mrs Druv Malik Mr & Mrs Ninuvito Kiho Mr & Mrs Renthungo Patton Musicians Violinist : Cellist : Veto Zhimo Strings : Moalong Piano : Payio & Rhonbeni Drums : Akabo Awomi & Anguvika Shohe Videographer – Mr Ghokivi Chishi Audio Recording & Mixing – Akabo Awomi & Anguvika Shohe Choir - The Nagaland Madrigal Singers & Eden Hr Sec Choir