Menu
User Rating:  / 0
PoorBest 

Hornbill Festival 2015

a record turns out

Xavier Rutsa

The premier Nagaland’s

Hornbill Festival, 2015 marked a record turned out of crowds flocking at Kisama, Naga Heritage Village, which took place from December 1 to 10. This year, it was the 16th edition.

A number of visitors to Kisama was 2, 43,113 this year against 1, 72, 404 during 2014. This year saw an increase of 70,709 visitors to the Hornbill Festival. Every year it starts on December 1, which also coincided with the statehood day. Assam and Nagaland Governor P.B. Acharya graced the inaugural function as the chief guest while the Nagaland Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang was the chief host.

As a unique feature, PB Acharya unveiled the Hornbill Tree which was erected on the occasion of the 16th Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage village, Kisama on December 1st.

Speaking on the occasion, Acharya said that the statehood day, which coincides with the start of Hornbill festival, is a joyous occasion when all people of Nagaland can recall with pride and satisfaction the significant achievements made by the Nagas during the past years. He said Nagaland has achieved remarkable progress over the last five decades, particularly in the field of education and healthcare.

 

He mentioned that Hornbill festival aims to preserve, promote and protect the unique cultural diversity and rich traditions of Nagaland. He expressed hope that all the visitors would experience the warm hospitality which is a tradition of the Nagas. Apprising on the different activities at Kisama, Acharya said the sixteen Naga tribes and sub tribes are showcasing their beautiful culture, dance, music and foods, handloom and handicrafts.

He added that Kisama at present is a mini Nagaland. Reiterating that peace is needed for progress and development, Acharya said ‘Violence has no place in our society. Tourists must realize that Nagaland is peaceful and vibrant.’

Stressing on the Framwork Agreement that was signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on August 3, 2015, Acharya said the accord can serve as a new paradigm for security and federalism, reconciling respectfully the aspirations of the Nagas with the larger vision of strong India. He appealed to all factions to join the peace process for a graceful and permanent solution of the Naga Problem.

Nagaland Chief Minister, T.R. Zeliang, in his welcome address said that Nagaland made progress in various fields and opined also said that the unique culture and tradition of one’s individual was the hallmark of one’s identity. Stressing on the importance of natural beauty and natural resources, he said that Nagaland has enormous potentiality. However, those resources are yet to be exploited, he added. He conveyed his best wishes to all citizens and tourists coming from outside to witness this festival. Rev. Dr.P. Dozo invoked God’s blessing while the Angh of Longcheng village, Mon, Y. Phonlong offered the traditional blessing.

On Day six, December 6, Nagaland Chief Minister T.R Zeliang said that unity is the only key to come to a permanent solution and peace in the state.

Zeliang was the chief guest on day six of the Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, after Union Minster for Human Resources Development Smriti Irani, who was supposed to grace the Hornbill festival as “Special Guest” on December 6 at Kisama, Naga Heritage village called off her visit due to sudden illness.

Stating that celebrating Hornbill festival together with different cultures and traditions of 16 tribes of Nagaland shows unity among the Nagas, the Chief Minister said that it spreads Nagas identity to the entire world. He congratulated the performers of all the cultural troupes for showing their uniqueness of Naga culture and unity for the Hornbill festival for the coming years. He also said that citizens can log into Nagaland Tourism website and give their remarks.

Consulate General of France Kolkata, Damien Syed was the guest speaker who stated that he was delighted to grace such an occasion in Nagaland and appreciated the unique culture and traditions of Nagaland. He congratulated the performers and thanked the Government of Nagaland for inviting him to the festival. He also mentioned that France is teaming up with Nagaland in sections like the urban development, hydro energy and also in agriculture specifically with teak farming to build an economic bridge.

On the last day, December 10, Nagaland Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, C. Apok Jamir was the chief guest at closing function.

Jamir said that the Hornbill festival was planned in such a way that it was held at one particular venue at Kisama from December 1 to 10 every year for the convenience of the tourists from all over the world, domestic tourists and for local visitors, so that everyone can plan and come to enjoy the festivities.

He was appreciative that this year’s Hornbill Festival was peaceful with no untoward incidents reported. He said the main purpose of the festival is to showcase the rich Naga culture in all its wonder and diversity.

The Parliamentary Secretary also thanked the various cultural troupes who entertained the visitors throughout 10 days and made the festival a success. Concluding remarks were given by Nagaland state’s Tourism Secretary, Angau I Thou.

Miss Nagaland 2015 Nenghoilhing Hangsing along with 1st runner-up, Alica Zhimomi and 2nd runner up, Yangerjungla Pongen lighted the annual bonfire which was followed by the unity dance. Thus the Hornbill festival 2015 came to an end.