Kisama | December 1: The true essence of tourism – just what the state government is trying to inculcate among the Nagas and hoping to promote Naga culture in the process – perhaps was best exemplified by the initiative and enthusiasm displayed by a group of foreign tourists participating in this year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival.
After flying across half the globe to experience something new, luxury and easy-living is the least thing the group of 13 German travelers yearns for. Experiencing the Naga way of life is what they have traveled so far for – and certainly not for the luxury of hotels and guest houses.
With the help of an experienced guide, this German tourist group, mostly from Berlin and Frankfurt, pitched their tiny tents at a clearing overlooking a picturesque valley of paddy fields last evening. Their joy knew no bounds when they woke up at sunrise this morning to the breath-taking landscape of the valley surrounded by imposing hills. Their joy turned to sheer thrill when they were informed by villagers that the very place where they set up camp played a major role in World War II when Germany’s ally, Imperial Japan’s invading forces advanced through this place during the Battle of Kohima. They are still overwhelmed by the experience and have made plans to stay for at least a couple of days more.
A neat row of colorful small tents presently adorns the landscape of the valley – called Dzükouzou by the villagers. And, as per villagers, their guests are really determined to rough it out, declining offers to help with their cooking, cleaning and other chores. On their part, the Jakhama villagers too are determined to ensure that their guests are comfortable and not bothered by the occasional troublemaker.
Such initiative and enthusiasm, perhaps, is what the essence of tourism is all about – getting a taste of the real thing!
Besides participating in the in the Hornbill festivities at Kisama – which is barely a couple of kilometers away from their camp – these tourists appear to be intent on making the most of their stay in Nagaland – visiting the villages, interacting, enjoying local brew and local Naga dishes with the villagers and seeming to be genuinely relishing them. For them, the visit has been an experience of a lifetime.
Interestingly, while there has been a noticeable increase in the participation of foreign tourists in this year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival, enthusiasm from the local populace does not appear to be overwhelming if the first day’s turnout is to be taken as an indication.
Some 500-odd foreign tourists are supposed to be participating in this year’s Hornbill Festival – dubbed the Festival of Festivals – and which has also found pride of place on the national tourism calendar.
