Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio virtually addresses a meeting of all line Departments/Sectoral Departments at the Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima to review the state of preparedness for Hornbill Festival 2023 on October 18. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, October 18 (MExN): Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio today urged all departments to gear up the Hornbill Festival 2023, the State’s premier annual event held from December 1-10.
Addressing a meeting on October 18 to deliberate on the status of preparation and road map for celebration of 24th edition of festival, he noted that it is the State’s most significant upcoming event and emphasised on the importance of upgrading infrastructure, sanitation, and beautification of the Heritage Village.
Rio convened the meeting comprising of all line Departments/Sectoral Departments at the Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima to review the state of preparedness and attended the same via video conferencing from New Delhi, a DIPR report informed.
Rio also called upon the Department of Road & Bridges to expedite the repair and maintenance of roads in and around Kisama village.
He stressed that the quality and content of the festival should not be compromised it serves as a platform to showcase the very best of Nagaland to a national and global audience, it added.
Rio highlighted that the Hornbill Celebration has become a globally recognised brand and urged all departments and agencies to ensure that the festival's 24th edition is organised grandly.
He also underscored the promotion of local food and beverages to showcase the unique Naga traditions and culture to the world during the festival as well as the importance of social media coverage.
Rio further encouraged the participation of more people in the World War II vintage car rally with full uniforms and showcasing their vintage cars to the public and visitors.
In addition to these events, he highlighted activities such as wrestling competitions, music festivals, and traditional stone-pulling ceremonies to be held at various venues as part of the Hornbill Festival.
Cautions NHIDCL
Meanwhile, as per the State’s DIPR, the Chief Minister also expressed disappointment over the non-completion of the four-lane road between Dimapur and Kohima by NHIDCL (National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd) even after seven years of works.
According, he cautioned the company to ensure that both lanes are operational before the commencement of the Hornbill Festival, it said.
Also addressing the meeting, Minister of Tourism & Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along informed the gathering that the ‘departments are ready and fully prepared’ to host the 2023 edition.
Three consultative meetings with line departments and stakeholders have already taken place to review the state of preparedness, he said.
Chief Secretary J Alam also encouraged all tribes to participate in the common festival of the entire State. He expressed gratitude for the cooperation of AHODs and HODs and urged all departments to commence their activities and be well-prepared.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, Abu Metha, and Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism, Kitto Zhimomi, discussed various issues related to the ongoing preparations.
