LEH: Nagaland Statehood Day was celebrated at Lok Niwas, Leh, as part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, which promotes unity, brotherhood, and celebrates India’s Unity in Diversity through cultural exchanges between paired states.
Nagaland, situated in India’s culturally rich and diverse Northeast, attained statehood on December 1, 1963, following the enactment of the State of Nagaland Act, 1962, becoming the 16th state of the Indian Union.
The state is renowned for its vibrant tapestry of cultures, festivals, and unique customary practices, and is especially celebrated for the iconic Hornbill Festival and the Mithun, a semi-domesticated bovine integral to Naga traditions and livelihoods.
The event underscores the Government of India’s commitment to strengthening inter-state bonds, celebrating regional diversity, and fostering national integration through shared cultural experiences. Such Foundation Day events are organised across states and UTs at Lok Bhavan and Lok Niwas to reinforce the vision of an inclusive India under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative.
Speaking at the event, Bisa John from Nagaland, serving in the armed forces in Ladakh, shared insights about the state’s rich cultural heritage, its multiple languages and tribes, and its wide array of festivals. The event also featured a video message from the Hon’ble Governor of Nagaland, Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
Staff and officials of the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, Lok Niwas, Leh, participated in the celebration, highlighting the spirit of unity and cultural exchange.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Nagaland on the occasion of their statehood day.
PM Modi said the glorious Naga culture, rooted in service, courage and compassion, is widely admired.
“The people of Nagaland have distinguished themselves across many fields. May the state keep moving ahead with prosperity and progress in the years ahead,” PM Modi said.
Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1, 1963, as the 16th state of India. Since then, December 1 has been celebrated annually as Nagaland Statehood Day.
