Kiti Silat enthrals visitors on 8th day of hornbill festival
Nongozo Rikha & Tovikali
KOHIMA, December 8, 2019: On the 8th Day of the ongoing Hornbill Festival, Naga Kiti performance enthralled the spectators and visitors at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama December 8 2019 organised by Nagaland Silat Association in collaboration with Tourism Department.
The Naga Kiti Silat is the traditional mixed form of Art from Nagaland which is collectively encompasses of Indonesian Art and various styles of Martial Arts & sports established on January 15 2016 under the presidency of Khevishe Sema, which is registered by Home Department, Govt. of Nagaland and affiliated to Indian Pencak Silat Federation.
This Art involves striking, grappling techniques and throwing. In addition, performers are allowed to use certain types of weapons during the event and currently, Silat Martial Arts has been spread to 93 Nations. It is also quite similar to indigenous Sumi Naga kick fighting Art known as " Kiti'" or "Apkhu- Kiti" which has originated from their forefathers and the primary purpose of the art is to build up the fitness among the local youths for settlement of any disputes.
Silat enhances and strengthens self -awareness, self-discipline, integrity, responsibility, loyalty and teamwork amongst its practitioners. It is an artistic sport, originating from South-East Asia. Pencak Silat offers soft simple exercises for everyone wishing to improve their physical strength. It also employs body movement and develops balance and economy of movement in each individual. It is practiced purely for sports and fitness, for the aesthetic beauty of the art or for the chance to learn one of the world's few remaining traditional martial arts system.
The association has organized 1st Pencak Silat in Dimapur from February 19 to 21. Thus far, the Nagaland Pencak Association players have won many medals in North-East, International and National Level Silat Championship. Thus far 32 States & Union Territories have affiliated Pencak Silat Federation and it is recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, GoI and the Ministry is sponsoring cash awards and special scholarship to the entire International Pencak Silat medalist every year.