Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday attended the inaugural Tenyimi Youth Cultural Festival, which aims to celebrate the shared identity and cultural heritage of the Tenyimi community.

Addressing the gathering, Rio said the festival highlights the importance of preserving traditional songs, stories, values, and attire, which unite the community. He noted that the theme, “Unity through Cultural Heritage,” reflects the need to maintain cultural continuity amid rapid societal changes.

He added that he hoped attendees would leave with lasting memories and a strengthened sense of belonging, expressing optimism that the festival would continue to grow in scale and vibrancy in the coming years.