Veyielo Doulo with others during People’s Festival Khezhakeno on December 3. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Khezhakeno (Phek) | December 3
The 5th edition of People’s Festival Khezhakeno as part of Hornbill Festival of Nagaland got underway at Khezhakeno under Phek District on December 3.
Gracing the event at Tepfulomi Tazao, Veyielo Doulo, Additional Director, Department of Tourism, Nagaland, stressed on the need to increase the level of People’s Festival Khezhakeno in order to reach out to larger visitors.
Stating that Khezhakeno being a historical place and a migration point for many Naga tribes, he suggested that a plot of land be given to each Naga tribes to construct their respective Morungs at the festival venue.
This, he said, will result in bringing the Nagas together and also act as ‘home coming’ for many, who migrated from Khezhakeno. He also called upon the villagers to transmit positive attitude to the tourists. A complete package of tourism related activities will boost the rural economy and also generate employment, he said.
Doulo assured to organize a training programme for the villagers on Home Stay by next year. Stating that tourism is not only about culture, he stressed on the need to focus on eco-tourism. In this, he called upon the people to conserve flora and fauna. “We should love our nature,” he said.
Khezhakeno Village Council Chairman, D Lhouchinyi shared greetings. The programme was chaired by Medovelo Sono while vote of thanks was proposed by Khezhakeno Youth Organization president Lhouvietsho Pfiino. Pfolo, Associate Pastor KCRC Upper pronounced word of blessings while Dikha Sono, Associate Pastor, NCRC Khezhakeno Lower pronounced benediction prayer.
About People's Festival Khezhakeno
Commenced in 2018, the People's Festival Khezhakeno is organised annually by Khezhakeno Youth Organization (KYO) at Chida Resort under Khezhakeno village in Phek District coinciding with the annual Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
The primary objective of this Festival is to promote People-to-People interaction and exchange culture not only at the home ground but with the outside world at large. The Festival is sponsored by the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland.
Khezhakeno is one of the tourist attraction destinations and is widely renowned for its historical significance. The Village was the home to the ancestors of the Nagas. It used to be home for several different tribes which dispersed and migrated over time to other parts of North-East India.
The Village has a vital contribution in Nagaland tourism owing to its heritage, cultural beauty and historical importance as well as for its splendor as seen in the Chida Lake, according to KYO.
The village lies 48km from the state capital Kohima via NEC Viswema-Kidima-Zuketsa road and is 23km away from its sub-divisional headquarter Pfutsero.
The People’s Festival will continue till December 10.
It will be marked by display of traditional games, Naga wrestling, photography competition, tug of war, bamboo pole climbing, village walk, trekking etc.
