Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A traditional stone-pulling ceremony was held at Tuophema village on December 5 involving nearly a thousand participants from four Naga communities.
The massive monolith measuring 22 feet long, 5 feet broad, and 2.5 feet thick, weighing an estimated 30 metric tonnes was hauled through the village route by members of the Angami, Sumi, Rengma and Chakhesang Naga communities.
The stone-pulling ritual, one of the most significant cultural traditions of the Angami people, is known for its sheer physical challenge and deep symbolic meaning. Historically performed to commemorate major events, the ceremony showcases unity, strength and collective spirit.
The stone pulling ceremony is one of the major cultural attractions of the Hornbill Festival.
This year’s event was organised by Tuophezou in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and was hosted by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, with Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, as the chief guest.
A traditional stone-pulling ceremony was held at Tuophema village on December 5 involving nearly a thousand participants from four Naga communities.
The massive monolith measuring 22 feet long, 5 feet broad, and 2.5 feet thick, weighing an estimated 30 metric tonnes was hauled through the village route by members of the Angami, Sumi, Rengma and Chakhesang Naga communities.
The stone-pulling ritual, one of the most significant cultural traditions of the Angami people, is known for its sheer physical challenge and deep symbolic meaning. Historically performed to commemorate major events, the ceremony showcases unity, strength and collective spirit.
The stone pulling ceremony is one of the major cultural attractions of the Hornbill Festival.
This year’s event was organised by Tuophezou in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and was hosted by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio, with Union Minister for Communications and DoNER, Jyotiraditya M Scindia, as the chief guest.
