Dimapur: Stage is all set for the 22nd edition of the famed Hornbill Festival. The festival will begin from December 1 and culminate on December 10.
The main venue of the festival is at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near the state capital Kohima. In recent years, the festival has spread in various parts of the state. This year’s festival will also be celebrated in Dimapur, Mokokchung, Peren, Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto and Mon.
Speaking to the media, Nagaland Tourism Advisor, H Khehovi Yeputhomi said that the budget for Hornbill Festival normally stands at Rs. 5 crore. Money is also utilized for civil works, according to the Tourism Advisor.
Saying that the Hornbill Festival has a unique model, Advisor to Nagaland Chief Minister, Abu Metha, who also spoke to the media, 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.” He also said that the government “aims to not make money out of the Hornbill Festival but to ensure that the entrepreneurs get commercial and employment benefits during the festival.”
Meanwhile, Assam and Nagaland Governor, Prof Jagdish Mukhi will be the special guest at the inaugural function on December 1.
NNN