In a first-of-its-kind tie up, United States, Germany and Colombia has
become the Country Partner for the ensuing 24th Hornbill festival, organised by
the Nagaland Government to showcase Naga culture and heritage.
With this, the much-awaited festival in the Northeast has gained a huge
boost.
The festival, first staged in 2000 to protect and encourage Naga culture
and create opportunities for economic growth and employment, will run from
December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama in State capital Kohima.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio took to X to announce, “Delighted to announce
that the United States of America is Country Partner of the Hornbill Festival 2023,”
and added they were looking forward to hosting an American music band and US
participation in other events at the “Festival of Festivals”.
As per the CM’s posts, Germany will be sending rock band ELM Tree to the
Hornbill Music Festival besides “well-known” German films and a business
delegation for a roundtable with the Investment and Development Authority of
Nagaland (IDAN).
In another post, CM Rio said performers and cultural ambassadors from
Colombia will also be participating in the festival, adding value and diversity
to the event.
The festival attracted 1,40,299 visitors, including 1,026 foreign and
48,413 domestic tourists in 2022.
Chief Minister’s Advisor Abu Metha said on X that “it doesn’t “get bigger
than this!!” while disclosing the line-up of the band at the music festival
being presented by Toyota.
“This year’s edition will see the participation of bands from Germany, US,
Colombia, South Korea, some of the biggest names in the Indian music scene and
the best that Nagaland and the north east has to offer.”
“The main hornbill stage will feature 40+ Bands/acts comprising of 800+
artists from December 1-10, 2023. Best wishes to the Hornbill Music Festival
and cheers to all the participants and music lovers,” stated Metha.
The festival is being promoted in a big way by the State Government over
the years as in the words of Rio, “Hornbill festival is a symbol of Brand
Nagaland and the emerging Naga Soft Power”.
Theja Meru, chairman of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA),
Nagaland, thanked the chief minister for roping in the country partners and his
vision for the festival which showcases the best of Naga culture, cuisines and
music to the world.
“This is the first time we are having such a tie-up, thanks to our chief
minister. It will enhance the festival’s reach. We are very excited,” Meru
said.
NE Watch Desk
