Ao Naga Choir from India performs in Colombo

Saturday, 9 November 2019 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Ao Naga choir performed last evening in a Tri-Nation ‘Concert for Peace’ along with Fricilia Mixed Choir from Indonesia and the Government Girls School Choir (Visakha Vidyalaya) from Sri Lanka. The performance was conducted by Rohan De Lanerolle at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.

Hailing predominantly from the Ao Naga Tribe as well as other tribes inhabiting the state of Nagaland in the north-east of India, the choir has previously performed at various international events and has been awarded the ‘Angel of Peace Award’ by the United Nations for excellence in artistic and social contribution.

Nestled in the north-eastern corner of India, Nagaland holds many treasures of history, culture and diversity. The state has about 16 tribes, each with its own distinctive cultural system. The customs that each tribe follows translate into festival year around centred on elements such as spirits, fertility, social bonding and purification. These traditional events, combined with life in the rural area, are exceptionally engaging and attract a lot of tourists to this hill-state of India.

The state is also popular for its resourceful architecture, which is a creative amalgamation of local bamboo and age-old tradition. It is also renowned for its Bhut Jolokia or ghost pepper, one of the hottest chilis in the world.

A recent addition to Nagaland’s popularity is the Hornbill Festival, an event which is now on the calendars of many globe trotters. During Hornbill, which takes place in the first week of December, the culture of the Naga is showcased in full splendour in the Kisama village of Kohima District. Organised by the State Government of Nagaland, the festival is attended by all of Nagaland’s major tribes. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and indigenous games. All this takes place amid immaculate replicas of tribal huts, complete with wood carvings and hollow log drum instruments, which are beat in haunting symphony at the end of the day.

Known as Festival of Festivals, Hornbill is resplendent with a week-long medley of cultural performances, indigenous games, craft bazaar, music events, fashion, cycling, motor sporting, a film festival and a series of competitions in various activities.

Through their performance, the Ao Naga Choir gave the audience a peek into the many talents of its vibrant people.

The event was supported by Sri Lanka Tourism, High Commission of India and Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Colombo.