The Hornbill Festival, billed as the
Festival of Festivals, kicked off to a colourful start as thousands of visitors
from different parts of the country and foreign lands thronged the main arena
of the iconic Naga Heritage Village at Kisama on Friday.
Nagaland Governor and festival’s chief
host La Ganesan heartily welcomed all the guests from across Bharat and from
distant lands abroad – United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Columbia – to
the unique cultural landscape of Nagaland.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti expressed
he was filled with joy, adding the festival was a reflection of the Nagas
beauty. Extending greetings from the 574 Native American tribes, Garcetti praised
the vision of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to showcase Nagaland to the world.
He said while there were divisions and battles
in the world, anyone could see unity and peace if they come to Nagaland to see
humanity and goodness of people.
British High commissioner to India, Alex
Ellis appreciated at the idea to have the festival. He pointed out that United
Kingdom and Nagaland were so closely intertwined, lived fought together and
fought against each other.
He described Nagas as “one of the most
brave people in the world”, which is also a well-known fact in the global
community especially through stories during the World War II period that was
witnessed by British soldiers and also commemorated here in Kohima.
However, he asserted today was not about
fighting but a time for happiness, dances, songs and good times together.
Ambassador of Colombia to India, Dr
Victor Echeverri Jaramillo thanked the State Government for extending
invitation to his country. Sharing a message from Colombia through the Atlantic
and the Indo-pacific, he stated Nagaland is a beautiful place, clean air and
blue sky.
He pointed out that Nagaland was a very
united group of people and therefore Colombia with its population of 80 million
people and 10 per cent indigenous needs to learn a lot from the Nagas.
Dr Jaramillo said he would carry a piece
of Nagaland to Colombia and South America.
German Consul General Kolkata, Barbara
Voss, expressed she felt at home right from the moment she landed on Naga soil.
Voss said she had been in Nagaland for the past two days during which she heard
and learned so much about the tribes.
She expressed her appreciation at the
rich culture and heritage and that it was interesting to see all various tribes
living together, which is an example to the world.
Nagaland Governor Ganesan said in his
address the annual Hornbill Festival was a celebration that not only displayed the
rich mix of Naga heritage, but also embodied the spirit of unity in diversity.
Ganesan noted the festival not only showcases
Nagas’ rich culture but it’s an open invitation to the world, welcoming all to engross
themselves in the warm embrace of Naga hospitality, to witness the warriors’
dance, to hear the ancient folksongs resonate and to gaze at the intricate
weaves of traditional attire.
He said the Festival of Festivals was
not just a celebration, but also a testament to the enduring spirit of Naga
people and their deep-rooted traditions.
In his address, Nagaland Chief Minister
and festival host Neiphiu Rio said Hornbill Festival was a culmination of
Nagaland’s tourism slogan “Land of Festivals”.
He pointed out that all tribes and
sub-tribes of the Naga people celebrate and commemorate multiple festivals
throughout the year, all of which culminates at the Hornbill Festival
epitomising the unity, diversity and oneness of the Naga people and celebrating
the Naga way of life.
CM Rio said the festival is melting point
of all the tribes and sub-tribes of Nagaland, local communities, NGOs, and the
government and offers not just a visual spectacle, but also a closer
understanding of the people, offering a ringside view of the elusive land, its
inhabitants, and their culture.
Over the years, he said Hornbill Festival
has transcended its initial vision becoming a national and global sensation and
now stands as a must-visit attraction on the travel itineraries of both
domestic and foreign travellers.
He said the present edition ensures to
be a global showcase of cultural richness and diplomatic collaboration as
Nagaland was honoured to welcome United States, Germany, and Colombia as its
prominent partner countries and also Assam as the Partner State.
Earlier invocation was offered by the
Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev Dr James Thoppil, “Traditional blessings” by the
chief of the village, Kukegwo, Monte Chupa while vote of thanks was proposed by
festival co-host, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along.
Highlights of the opening programme
included “Call of the Hornbill”, a presentation by the Task Force for Music
& Arts, showcasing various traditional music, dance and arts. It was
followed by “Kisama walk”, a visit to the bamboo pavilion and traditional
Morungs by the dignitaries.
On day one, 16,446 tourists, including
353 foreign tourists, 4108 domestic tourists and 11985 local tourists witnessed
the festival.
NE Watch Desk
