Our Correspondent
Kisama | December 1
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday said that the state has been “fully energized, with renewed zeal and enthusiasm to revive the tourism industry,” and intensify its value for all its major stakeholders through the 22nd edition of the Hornbill Festival.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Rio said the Hornbill Festival is a collaborative celebration of all the Naga tribes at one venue with an intention to promote all the 17 indigenous tribes of Nagaland, their culture and products to the rest of the world.
“It is one of the largest indigenous festivals whereby the uniqueness and diversity of our cultural identity is showcased here in all its grandeur,” he said.
Rio opined that this festival should be considered not only as a cultural festivity of mass get-togethers but also as a platform to experience the unique identity and cultural legacy of the rich Naga traditions while also providing opportunities for the local economy to flourish. “Over the years and despite the prevailing conditions, the festival has evolved and is getting bigger by the year,” he said.
Hornbill Festival celebrates Naga way of life
He said that Hornbill Festival continues to contribute immensely in enhancing the tourism brand of Nagaland and its people as it gathers strength with every edition.
“Today, it has come a long way, crossing the boundaries of the state onto the global stage where people of all cultures, from all walks of life, gather as one people, celebrating the gift of life, of community living, and humanity,” he said.
Stating that the Hornbill Festival celebrates the Naga way of life, he maintained that the festival “showcases our unity and reflects our aspiration for real peace. It exemplifies the energy, vibrancy and the new found ambition of the Naga people.”
He said that dozens of platforms have attained international recognition and has succeeded in propelling Naga ‘soft power’ beyond the borders. The icing on the cake is the Hornbill Music Festival, which is the country’s biggest music event.
Creating employment avenues
The Chief Minister said that Hornbill festival alone creates thousands of employment avenues in multiple sectors and provides opportunities to the locals.
“The success of the event has positively impacted the local economy and the benefits of the tourism economy are beginning to reach the grassroots through our policy of ‘land of festivals’ with a Mini-Hornbill in every corner of the State.
This 22nd Edition of the festival will be celebrated in 6 districts of Nagaland,” Rio said.
The Chief Minister also extended an invitation to the guests, to participate in the indigenous games and sports, indulge in the Naga cuisine, songs and dances, arts and crafts, and folklore, among others.
