Kohima: Youth festivals erupted across Nagaland this September. Students competed in declamation, folk song, and dance to prove their skills. Officials aim to foster cultural expression and identify the best performers for state-level contests.
In Zunheboto, the event hit the Indoor Badminton Stadium on September 14. Three schools battled for top spots. Nigha from Cornerstone Higher Secondary School (CHSS) won the declamation contest. Zunheboto Government College (ZGC) claimed first in folk song. CHSS took the folk dance trophy. The day included an invocation by Assistant Pastor Ilo K Achumi.
Festivals also struck Chümoukedima, Longleng, Shamator, and Noklak. Competitions in Chümoukedima happened on September 12. Vungi Nzanta Cultural Club swept both folk categories. Judges are filming these performances to select eight finalists for the state event. Those winners head to Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima from September 28 to 30. Results drop on September 17.
Longleng hosted their round at Yingli College on September 12. Vice Principal Dr. B Henshet Phom urged youth to preserve their indigenous heritage. Chuthei Phom performed a special number to mark the occasion.
Shamator held events at the Cultural Hall on September 14. Christian High School took the folk song title. Government Higher Secondary School won the folk dance. Sunso and Berimong from Shamator College grabbed the top two declamation slots.
Noklak finished their festival at White Hall on September 14 under the theme, "Youth, Skill and a Self-Reliant Nagaland." GHSS Noklak won folk song. St Paul School took the declamation prize. District Sports Officer Athrong Yimchunger pushed the students to grow through the process. He noted, "Participants from all 17 districts to be assessed and the best eight selected for the state level."
Updated at 15th September 2026 at 5:46am
In Zunheboto, Olympic Higher Secondary School joined the field. Lino Kiba of ZGC took second in declamation. ZGC placed second in folk song, and ZGC also took the runner up spot in folk dance. Anguvito Sumi, the district youth resources and sports officer, briefed the students before the events kicked off.
Chümoukedima competitors included Thejatsinuo Sanchu and Yimtisenla, who split the win in the declamation category. The festival went down at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium under the direction of Wutsutho.
Noklak saw a wider range of participants, including the Thang Students Union and students from GHS Noklak village. GHS Noklak village took second place in folk song. The Thang Students Union grabbed second in both folk dance and declamation, sharing the latter runner up spot with GHSS Noklak.
Updated at 15th September 2026 at 2:00pm
In Zunheboto, Olympic Higher Secondary School joined the competition lineup alongside ZGC and CHSS. Lino Kiba of ZGC took second in the declamation contest. In folk song, CHSS claimed the runner up spot, while ZGC secured second place in folk dance.
Shamator's festival wrapped up with a benediction from Pastor Wati. The event featured a vote of thanks from Imtikumba of the Tuensang Youth Resources and Sports office.
Noklak saw a wider range of participants, including the Thang Students Union and students from GHS Noklak village. GHS Noklak village took second place in the folk song category. The Thang Students Union grabbed second in both folk dance and declamation, sharing the latter runner up spot with GHSS Noklak. DSO Athrong Yimchunger emphasized that the spirit of competition lies in coming forward to express talent, telling students to learn from their mistakes during the event.
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