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Stone-pulling ceremony marks Hornbill fest at Mima

By Bhadra Gogoi

DIMAPUR, Dec 4 - A stone-pulling ceremony was held as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival and in commemoration of 75 years of embracing Christianity at Mima village in Kohima district today.

Union Minister of State for Tourism and Art and Culture Prahlad Singh Patel and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio were among the dignitaries who attended the traditional ceremony.

The stone pulling symbolises forgiveness, friendship, peace and reconciliation, and is also a remembrance of the pioneers of the faith.

Around 600 stone-pullers, along with thousands of well-wishers from neighbouring villages and frontal organisations of the Angami community, participated in the event organised by the Mima Village Council. People of various age groups, clad in traditional attire, witnessed the event.

A stone was pulled from the Mima Gate near Kigwema village to the Mima village ground, covering a distance of nearly 1 km. The stone measures 21 feet in length, 2.5 feet in height and 4 feet in width, and weighs more than 10 tonnes.

Mima, an Angami village, is nestled in the bosom of Mt Japfu, located about 16 km south of Kohima. It is popularly known for its rare and distinct underground apiculture. The village has been dubbed �The Honey Village� for producing one of the best qualities of honey in the country.

Cultural Connect: On the fourth day of �Cultural Connect� at the ongoing Hornbill Festival at Kisama on Wednesday, 17 Naga cultural troupes showcased Naga traditions � from the way wars were fought, rituals are performed, celebrations are held after a bountiful harvest to activities like fishing, pounding of rice, babysitting etc.

The GOC of 3 Corps, Lt Gen Rajeev Sirohi, and DoNER Secretary Dr Inderjit Singh were the special guests in the morning session.

Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel was the special guest of the evening session, while the chairman of GEM Hospitals, C Palanivelu, was the guest of honour.

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