Loreni Tsanglao, Nagaland
Governor of Nagaland and Assam, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi asserted that Hornbill festival is a single such platform where all the tribes of the state showcase their rich culture, tradition and handicrafts to the globe.
He stated the same while addressing the opening ceremony of the 22nd Hornbill Festival, 2021 famously known as “Festival of festivals”, held on Wednesday at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Mukhi stated “Nagaland is a place with rich culture, tradition and customs which are unique”.
He further urged the younger generation to take pride in one’s tradition, and preserve & promote this rich cultural heritage of Nagaland.
Highlighting the potential of the state’s rich Eco-tourism sector for the socio-economic growth, Mukhi said Nagaland is bestowed with rich biodiversity both flora and fauna and that there is a need to harness it for the development of the State which can address the unemployment issue to a considerable extent.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister & Chief Host of this renowned 10-days festival, Neiphiu Rio said “Hornbill Festival is one of the most celebrated events in the subcontinent and the Festival holds great significance for the people of Nagaland”.
It is a collaborative celebration of all Naga tribes at one venue with an intention to promote the indigenous tribes of Nagaland, their culture and products to the rest of the world, he added.
Considered as one of the largest indigenous celebrations, Hornbill Festival is a platform where the uniqueness and diversity of Nagas’ cultural identity is showcased in a grandeur manner, stated the CM.
The festival should not only be considered as just cultural festivity of mass get-together but a platform to experience the unique identity and cultural legacy while providing opportunities for the local economy, which can immensely contribute to enhance the tourism brand of Nagaland, Rio informed.
He urged the guests to discover and explore all the exciting activities such as indigenous games and sports, Naga cuisine, songs and dances, arts and craft, folklore etc.
Head Goan Bura (GB) Sangpur, K Lakiumong invoked the traditional blessings during the festivals.
While this year, Festival Father, Mannyem Wangnao from Longwa Village, invoked the festival blessings.
Earlier, greetings were delivered by Ambassador of Israel to India, Naor Gilon; United States Consul General, Melinda Pavek; and Consul General of Germany, Manfred Auster.
Festival Host, Advisor Tourism, Khehovi Yepthomi delivered the vote of thanks followed by Flight of the Hornbill, a musical presentation by Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA).
Altogether 2882 domestic and 11 foreign tourist attended the first day of the festival. 9527 locals from the state were registered marking the total upto 12420 participants on the grand opening of the 10-days Hornbill festival.
The 22nd Edition of the festival will be celebrated in 6 districts of the State.
