District Youth Festivals were held across Nagaland between 12 and 14 September 2026, providing platforms for young performers to present traditional songs, dances and oratory pieces ahead of a State Level Festival scheduled at Kohima later this month.
Format and selection process
Organised by the respective District Youth Resources & Sports Offices (DYRSOs), the events featured competitions in Folk Song, Folk Dance and Declamation. DYRSO officials said that all performances across the 17 districts will be video-recorded and assessed, with the best eight entries selected for the State Level Festival.
The State Level Festival is set to take place from 28 to 30 September at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima, organisers confirmed. Results for several district competitions are to be declared on 17 September, according to the Chümoukedima district office.
District highlights
Across districts, the programmes combined competitive rounds with cultural presentations and speeches underscoring the need to preserve folklore and intangible heritage.
- Chümoukedima – The festival was held on 12 September at the Chümoukedima Football Stadium. Vungi Nzanta Cultural Club (VNCC) won both the Folk Song and Folk Dance categories. Thejatsinuo Sanchu and Yimtisenla secured honours in declamation. The DYRSO, Wutsutho, outlined the video-based selection method and the timeline for declaring results.
- Longleng – Held on 12 September at Yingli College. DYRSO Kenongoto Thokhwe welcomed participants; the vice principal, Dr. B. Henshet Phom, delivered a special address on cultural preservation. Judges for the events were B. Bauom Phom, Lenke Aventh and Dr. Vangngoi Phom. The programme was chaired by Mhasinuo Rio and included a special performance by Chuthei Phom.
- Zunheboto – The festival took place on 14 September at the Indoor Badminton Stadium, Old Town. In declamation, Nigha of Cornerstone Higher Secondary School finished first, followed by Lino Kiba of Zunheboto Government College. In folk song, Zunheboto Government College won first place with Cornerstone HSS taking second; in folk dance, Cornerstone HSS placed first with Zunheboto Government College second.
- Shamator – Organised by the DYRSO of Tuensang, the Shamator programme on 14 September included the three regular events. In the folk song category Christian High School was awarded first place.
What happens next
District winners and shortlisted performances will be reviewed centrally via the recorded material. The DYRSOs indicated that assessment criteria will include authenticity of repertoire, stagecraft, choreography and overall presentation, though specific scoring rubrics were not released in the district statements.
| District | Venue | Notable winners |
|---|---|---|
| Chümoukedima | Chümoukedima Football Stadium | Vungi Nzanta Cultural Club (VNCC) – Folk Song & Folk Dance; Thejatsinuo Sanchu, Yimtisenla – Declamation |
| Longleng | Yingli College | Programme chaired by Mhasinuo Rio; judges B. Bauom Phom, Lenke Aventh, Dr. Vangngoi Phom |
| Zunheboto | Indoor Badminton Stadium, Old Town | Cornerstone HSS and Zunheboto Govt. College shared top places across events |
| Shamator | Cultural Hall, Shamator | Christian High School – Folk Song (1st) |
Local voices and cultural emphasis
At Longleng, the vice principal of Yingli College, Dr. B. Henshet Phom, spoke on the importance of folklore and cultural preservation during the event. DYRSO Kenongoto Thokhwe formally welcomed the contestants. In Chümoukedima, DYRSO Wutsutho outlined selection steps and the timeline for the state-level shortlisting.
Organisers framed the festivals as opportunities not only for competition but for transmission of traditional knowledge and for encouraging youth participation in community cultural life. The video-based assessment is intended to allow comparable evaluation across geographically dispersed events and to ensure a documented record of performances.
Participation and public interest
The district festivals attracted students, cultural clubs and colleges from the host areas. Winners and shortlisted acts will be informed ahead of the state festival; the top entries from the 17 districts are expected to travel to Kohima for the three-day state showcase from 28 September.
Officials advised participants and accompanying delegations to monitor announcements from their respective DYRSOs for confirmation of shortlisted acts and logistical details ahead of the Kohima festival.
