Kohima: The 22nd Hornbill festival 2021 of Nagaland began with the bang of a gong, traditional songs and dance marking the grand opening Wednesday evening at Kisama Naga Heritage Village.
The Hornbill Festival is one of the biggest events in Nagaland State, showcasing the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Naga people. The festival aims to revive, protect and preserve the cultural heritage.
The Hornbill festival is now a wholesome festival, not only confined to Kisama and Kohima but it is now spread to other districts like Phek, Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Peren, Mon and Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering, Nagaland governor Jagdish Mukhi said the Hornbill Festival had acclaimed the glory and fame across the globe. He also pointed out that Nagas has a rich culture, traditions and customs which is known and famous not only in the country but globally.
He also said Nagaland has a huge potential for ecotourism and could aid the economic growth to a great extent and can solve the unemployment issue in the state.
The state Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who is the chief host of the festival said the Hornbill festival has continued to contribute immensely in enhancing the tourism brand of Nagaland.
Rio said the festival has come a long way, crossing the boundaries of the state onto the global stage where people of all cultures and from all walks of life gathered as one people celebrating the festival.Â
United States Consul General Melinda Pavel, Ambassador of Isreal to India Nair Gilon and Consul General of Germany Manfred Ausber were the guests of honour at the inaugural function.
Festival father from Longwa village, Mannyem Wangnao pronounced the festival’s blessings, while traditional blessing was pronounced by Sangphur head GB, K. Lakiumong. Earlier, the invocation was done by State Chaplain Rev TW Yamyap Konyak. The formal inauguration ended with the vote of thanks by Khehovi Yepthomi, adviser tourism, art & culture.
Also read: TaFMA and Event Management Group for Hornbill Music Festival holds a press conference
The festival will go on till December 10 at the main venue in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama and other parts of Nagaland. Â
The festival is being held following all the SOPs issued by the Ministry of Health and the state government.
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