‘Reflects aspiration for real peace’: CM Rio at launch of 10-day Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival in Nagaland showcases the diverse Naga ethnicity through folk dances, traditional music, tribal rituals, indigenous games, local cuisine, handicraft, artwork and textiles.

KOHIMA: Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival began Wednesday evening with traditional pomp and gaiety at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama, 10km from the state capital Kohima.

The 10-day 2021 edition of Hornbill Festival in Nagaland will have around 700 events.

The first day of the festival recorded a footfall of 12,400 visitors at Kisama, state tourism officials said. This includes 2,882 domestic tourists and 11 from abroad.

Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, the chief host of the 10-day celebration of Nagaland’s indigenous warrior tribes, said after a challenging year due to Covid-19, the state government along with other stakeholders, have put together the 22nd edition of the Hornbill Festival with a renewed zeal to revive the tourism industry and intensify the value to its major stakeholders.

“The Hornbill Festival continues to contribute immensely in enhancing the tourism brand of Nagaland and its people as it gathers strength with every edition. Today, it has come a long way, crossing the boundaries of the state onto the global stage where people of all cultures, from all walks of life, gather as one people celebrating the gift of life, of community living, and of humanity. The Hornbill Festival is a team effort: The government of Nagaland and its various departments, community organisations, entrepreneurs, event management teams, youth groups, civil societies and stakeholders work enthusiastically in organising the event,” Rio said in his address at the inaugural event.

He said Hornbill Festival celebrates the Naga way of life, showcasing the unity of the Naga tribes and that it reflects their aspiration for real peace. “It (Hornbill Festival) exemplifies the energy, vibrancy and the new-found ambition of the Naga people. Dozens of platforms have attained international recognition and have succeeded in propelling Naga soft power beyond our borders. The icing on the cake is the Hornbill Music Festival, which is the country’s biggest music event,” Rio added.

Israel’s Ambassador to India Naor Gilon said his invite to the Hornbill Festival was a reflection of the ties between Israel, India and Nagaland. He said Israel and Nagaland have a deep sense of connection and bond.

“The Jewish people who are now celebrating Hanukkah, the victory of the Maccabees around 2000 years ago, also feel close to the tradition of warriors of the Naga tribes. We share the deep commitment to preserve our ancient culture while encouraging the development of modern culture,” the diplomat stated.