Chizokho Vero
Kisama | December 7
The seven-day long Hornbill Festival of Nagaland drew curtains here this evening with a ceremonial bonfire and the grand finale, the much hyped Hornbill National Rock Contest, amidst thousands of visitors. Parliamentary secretary for Tourism and Art & Culture lighted the ceremonial bonfire during the closing ceremony as cultural troupes joined in dancing and singing around the lit fire. It was followed by fireworks and the Auld Lang Syne from Theja Meru’s band.
Besides conferring certificates and ‘Christmas cakes’, an amount of Rs. 10,000 each was given to the cultural troupes. Amongst other events, it may be recalled that a wrestling exhibition between Naga and Korean wrestlers was received well with many looking forward to similar events in the coming years as well. The Korean-India Music festival, according to Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, has gained “international” recognition although the festival is not an international festival. The World War II Museum, which was inaugurated on day-one at Kisama, is also now a tourist destination. A musical on “The Prodigal Son” by K. Kevichusa and directed by V Ate Kevichusa completely enthralled the audience for three consecutive days as well. Another highlight, the Kohima Night Bazaar added flavor to the festivity with people of all ages tasting “night life” shopping.
Encouraged by the overwhelming turnout of people from all walks of life to the Night Bazaar, which is also a part of the Hornbill Festival, the Kohima Municipal Council has decided to extend the event till December 10.
KMC chairperson Vipopal Kintso, however, informed that the timings of the Night Bazaar will have to be strictly adhered to and that stalls will not be allowed to open after 9 pm.
He also informed that the road stretch between MLA Hostel junction and Razhü point will be closed for vehicular traffic and that instead, the local ground will be kept open for vehicular traffic to facilitate the Night Bazaar revelers.
Further, the participation of all the north eastern states was a plus point where visitors not only came to know about the rich culture, customs and lifestyle of the Nagas but also other people of the north east as a well. Students and scholars also benefited a lot after accessing rare documents at the week long Archives week.
Further on, through the Red Ribbon Pavilion, the Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, the US Consulate of Kolkata and the Naga Mothers’ Association conveyed a strong message on the need to take preventive measure as part of the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The “Floral Galleria 2008”, by department of horticulture also depicted the booming floriculture industry in the state. It also gave a clear message on the need to cultivate and market it on commercial scale.
Registering a good number of participants from outside states like Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Meghalaya and Assam, the Hornbill Festival Motor Rally 2008 also proved an ‘eye opener’ to many on the need to promote motor sports in Nagaland.
The week-long festival was further marked by songs and dances by different cultural troupes, an art exhibition by Morung for Indigenous Affairs and Just Peace, a fashion show by top Indian models, exhibition and sales of handloom and handicrafts, Korea Food Festival 2008, a scintillating performance by rock band Parikrama, a Naga wrestling competition, craftsmen’s’ workshop, amongst many others.
