(Left) K Lakiumong and (Right) Mannyem Wangnao pronounced the traditional blessing and festival blessing respectively, during the opening ceremony of Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on December 1. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kisama | December 1
The 22nd Hornbill Festival of Nagaland 2021 got underway here today at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama with large number of visitors from within and abroad.
K Lakiumong, head GB Sangphur and Mannyem Wangnao of Longwa village pronounced traditional blessings and festival blessings respectively.
“This coming 10 days, people will witness diverse culture of our state and North East and also various adventurous sports and musical events,” said Assam & Nagaland Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi while addressing the opening ceremony.
Prof Mukhi maintained that Nagaland has rich culture, tradition and customs which are unique. “Our dance and music are well known even outside the country,” he said and urged the younger generation to take pride in their tradition and also to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the state.
Stating that the Hornbill Festival is a single platform where all the tribes showcase their rich culture and handicrafts to the world, he said, that it was also an avenue for promoting tourism and allied economic activities.
Over the years, the Festival of Festivals, has acclaimed glory and fame across the globe, he said.
Stating that Nagaland is bestowed with rich biodiversity both flora and fauna, he said “We need to harness it for the development of the state. Eco-tourism has huge potential for the socio-economic growth of our society. It can address the unemployment issue to a considerable extent.”
Appeal to strictly follow COVID SOPs
Stating that COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenge to humankind worldwide, he said: “It caused devastating economic and social disruption. Yet, with the support of all, we are now able to celebrate this festival in a grand manner. The pandemic is far from over and its new variants are emerging!”
In this, he appealed the people to be vigilant and continue to strictly follow COVID appropriate behaviours. He also urged those eligible persons who are not yet fully vaccinated to come forward and get vaccinated.
GoI committed to ensure development of the region
He said that Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to ensure development of the region. “Central government and state government are working together to bring in lasting peace in the land. The day is not very far for signing the much-awaited peace agreement with Naga rebel groups. We all, as beneficiaries, should make up our minds and create a conducive atmosphere for welcoming the new dawn of a peaceful and progressive Nagaland,” he said.
The opening ceremony also witnessed greetings from Naor Gilon, Ambassador Israel to India, Melinda Pavek, United States Consult General and Manfred Auber, Consult General of Germany. Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Advisor H Khehovi Yeputhomi proposed vote of thanks. The programme was followed by musical presentation by Task Force for Music & Arts under the brand of “Flight of the Hornbill.”
12,420 visitors on Day 1
In a sign of the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors to the opening day of the festival was down by nearly 72.48%.
As per data provided by Toka E Tuccumi, Assistant Director, Directorate of Tourism, a total of 12,420 visitors registered at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, out of which 9,527 were local visitors, 2,882 were domestic tourists, and 11 were foreign tourists.
This represented nearly three-fourth drop from the last edition of the festival in 2019 when the opening day footfall stood at 45,142.
