Chizokho Vero
Kisama | December 1
Amidst thousands of people gathered from different parts of the world, a weeklong Hornbill festival of Nagaland today made a colourful start here with an impressive inaugural function under the theme “Unity.”
Governor Nikhil Kumar in his address said the Hornbill Festival has become an important event not only in the State but also in the country as it has already been included in the annual calendar of the country and is evident from the presence of people from different parts of the country. He said the number of people witnessing the festival has been increasing over the years.
He said the festival links together all people of the state, which is a symbol of unity. He also called upon the Naga people to continue to uphold unity while also complimenting the Forum for Naga Reconciliation on its efforts to maintaining peace and unity in the Naga society. “The future of Naga people lies in Unity”, he quipped.
He also said the festival highlights the issues of ‘roots.’ “We should not forget our roots,” since its attachment promotes our cultural heritage. Kumar also extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Statehood day which also falls today. He also welcomed the delegates from Myanmar and other countries who had come to witness the festival.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in his speech said that Hornbill Festival has become a popular annual tourism promotional event, showcasing Nagaland’s traditional and cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur. The festival is coming together of all the elements that make up the total Nagaland, for which it is called “Festival of Festivals.”
He said 17 officially recognized tribes and sub-tribes in Nagaland celebrate their festivals at a certain period of the year in their respective areas or habitats. All these festivals are falling at different seasons spread throughout the year. That is why we call Nagaland “the land of Festivals.”
Stating that it would be impossible for majority of tourists to visit all these festivals that are held at different times, he said “The Hornbill Festival will give you an opportunity to experience the varied Naga culture and its best during this week long fest.”
Festival like this can be celebrated in its true spirit only when there is conducive climate, Rio said and lauded the efforts of Forum for Naga Reconciliation, church bodies, civil societies, NGOs, tribal organizations, “and the cooperation by the different underground group”, pointing out that Nagaland is now enjoying an era of relative peace and tranquility.”
Rio also stated that we also need continuing peace for the success of all our development initiatives, and for resolution of the Naga political issue. In this, Rio appealed all sections of the people to maintain peace and harmony.
The Chief Minister said a number of local entrepreneurs and artists use the Hornbill platform for exhibition of their works of arts and products through film festivals organized as part of the Hornbill fest. “These are a few examples of participations by private entrepreneurs, artists and NGOs towards making the Hornbill festival a viable business proposition.”
He also said that over the years, this event has gained in stature and popularity. The Government of India has recognized the festival as one of the major tourist events in India. Rio said the festival has now become a unique platform for tourists to witness the cultural diversity of not only the Nagas, but also of the other seven sister states of North East India. One whole day is set for the cultural performance of other north eastern states.
Earlier, Angami Nagas from Phesama village accorded traditional welcome while Konyak Angh pronounced traditional blessing. Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Yitachu chaired the inaugural function.
The Festival is a tribute to the great “Hornbill”, which is the most admired and revered bird for the Nagas, for its qualities of alertness and grandeur. The majestic bird is closely identified with the social and cultural life of the Nagas as reflected in various tribal folklores, dances and songs. The awe and fascination for the bird is symbolically displayed on almost all tribal traditional headquarters worn during the festival and is indicative of the unity of the Nagas.
The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga Heritage, while for the visitors to this event, it is a means for a comprehensive understanding of Naga people, their land and culture.
This year’s inaugural function also witnessed “Hornbill theme song”, composed by Nise Meruno and performed by choir along with ‘Zowe Madrigal.’ Beating of drum by drummers of North East and band display by bagpipers from Tuensang, Kohima and Army was the added attraction.
Day one event was also marked by unity dance, competition and exhibition cum sale of flowers, fruits and vegetables, exhibition cum sale of handloom and handicraft products, piglet catching competition, Naga Chilli eating contest, Hornbill International Photo Contest, contemporary art exhibition, cultural performances by various tribes, Hornbill Art Festival, Food Festival, celebrating Naga textile art & design, Hornbill music festival, night bazaar etc.
