10-day Hornbill Festival begins
Correspondent KOHIMA, DEC 2 (NPN): Nagaland Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi said the Central and State governments were working together to bring lasting peace to the State.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 22nd Hornbill Festival at Heritage Village here on Wednesday evening, he remarked that the day might not be far to reach the peace agreement and appealed to the people to create a conducive environment and welcome the dawn of a peaceful and progressive Nagaland.
He assured that the Central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was committed to ensure development of the region.
Noting that Nagaland was rich in culture, traditions and customs, he said its dances and music were famous not just in the country but globally. He pointed out that eco-tourism had huge potential and could aid in the economic growth of the State and address the unemployment issue to a great extent.
Mukhi observed that over the years the Hornbill Festival had acclaimed the glory and fame across the globe. He hoped that the guests would leave with a memorable experience of the hospitality of Nagas, which was well known.
Meanwhile, the annual Hornbill Festival began at the Heritage Village with a grand inaugural programme.
Delivering the welcome address, chief minister Neiphiu Rio, who was the chief host of the festival, said the festival was an outcome of the collaborative efforts of all 17 major Naga tribes at one venue with the aim to promote local culture and products in rest of the world.
He remarked that the festival should not be considered just as a cultural festivity of mass get-together but a platform to experience the unique identity and rich Naga traditions, while providing an opportunity for the local economy to flourish. He observed that the festival had evolved over the years and got bigger despite the prevailing conditions.
Rio claimed that the festival had continued to contribute immensely in enhancing the tourism brand of Nagaland and its people as it gathered strength with every edition.
“Today 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 gather as one people celebrating the gift of life, of community living and humanity,” he mentioned.
He pointed out that the festival opened up thousands of employment avenues in multiple sectors and provided opportunities to the locals. He also extended a hearty welcome to all the guests.
Guests of honour at the inaugural function included Ambassador of Israel to India Nair Gilon, United States Consul General Melinda Pavel and Consul General of Germany Manfred Ausber. They gave short speeches on the occasion.
Earlier, the invocation was done by State chaplain Rev TW Yamyap Konyak while traditional blessing was pronounced by Sangphur head GB K Lakiumong.
Festival father from Longwa village Mannyem Wangnao pronounced the festival blessings while festival host and tourism, art & culture adviser Khehovi Yepthomi proposed the vote of thanks.
A musical presentation was given by Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), which was followed by a show from Fantastic Company.
Altogether 12,420 guests, including 11 tourists, 2,882 domestic tourists and 9,527 local tourists visited the festival on the first day.
An orbiting message of peace
The Top Viral YouTube Videos of 2017
Meet R.N. Ravi, who is mediating peace with the Nagas
What Does Your Face Say About Your Health?
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked (required)