Thus far we have come! Congrats to the organizers. My humble suggestion to the organizers- why not we widen up the activities (scope) of the festival to a larger area so as to fulfill our dreams and uphold the adage- Land of Festivals. By widening our activities we will directly give a boost to the tourism industry, which is in our Government's agenda right from the inception of this mega event. Let us do away with the 'get rich overnight syndrome' so as to boost the tourism industry of Nagaland: check forced hikes in the commodities, travel fares, lodging rents etc.
How friendly can we get to the tourists coming from mainland India as well as those coming from abroad? It is a festival of our state and so why not we share the festivities amongst ourselves?? I am sure by widening the scope of our activities we will be rewarded manifold for 'many heads are better than a few'. Better episodes lie in wait from other Districts of our small state. We need to sustain the land of festivals by exhibiting a friendly and hospitable outlook towards visitors.
These consistencies will go a long way towards boosting the tourism industry of our state. Admittedly, our State has a very poor connectivity and this is one of the reasons that hampers the progress of our tourism Industry.
Comparatively, our State does not have a lot to showcase our tradition/culture too. The little that we have is just for our "consumption" and therefore we need to do some soul-searching and come up with some better ideas/alternatives to achieve our dream of realizing Tourism as an Industry. Besides this Mega Event that lasts for about a fortnight or so, let us also give thought to organizing year-long activities so as to enhance the Tourism Industry eventually adding up to the coffers of our poor state.
The Hornbill Festival currently being concentrated only within the precints of Kohima is, frankly, perceived as a "storm in a tea cup" to the rest of the land of festivals. Come see and experience the varieties that other districts too can showcase. With criticisms abound lately, it is saddening to see this Mega Event (the pride of Nagaland) gradually running out of steam as of now. Spread out! Let us supplement and rejuvenate this Grand Event.
Imliwati Imchen, Mokokchung.
