Tourism Advisor, H Khehovi Yeputhomi releasing the Hornbill festival programme during a press conference in Kohima on November 29. Morung Photo
To strictly follow COVID SOPs
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 29
The stage is set for the 22nd Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, starting from December 1 to 10 at the main venue in Naga Heritage Village Kisama and other parts of Nagaland.
Addressing a press conference here today, Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Advisor, H Khehovi Yeputhomi said that final preparations are being finished. He meanwhile asserted that COVID SOPs will be strictly followed during the festival.
“We are going to follow all the SOPs issued by Ministry of Health and the State Government” he said.
Supplementing him, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister said that the State Government will ensure that national SOPs for international tourists will be strictly followed.
Understanding the present scenario of the pandemic and restriction of international travel, Metha said “I don’t think we are going to have a large number of international tourists this time.”
Yeputhomi said that the budget for Hornbill Festival normally stands at Rs. 5 crore, wherein some amounts are utilized for civil works as well.
Metha added that as a welfare government, it aims to not to make money out of the Hornbill Festival but to ensure that the entrepreneurs get commercial and employment benefit during the festival. He noted that the Hornbill Festival is not only confined to Kisama and Kohima, but it is now spread to other districts like Phek, Wokha, Mokokchung Zunheboto, Peren, Mon and Dimapur.
“It is now a wholesome festival having inclusive approach,” he said.
Maintaining that the Hornbill Festival has a unique model, he said the government facilitates and assists in hosting the festival but almost 90% of the events are being managed and executed by private entrepreneurs, event management companies and the business community.
Apart from showcasing the rich culture and traditions of the Nagas, the festival is about entrepreneurship and inclusivity, Metha stated.
Assam and Nagaland Governor, Prof Jagdish Mukhi will be the special guest at the inaugural function on December 1 while Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio and Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Advisor, H Khehovi Yeputhomi will be the host.
