Preparation for 25th Hornbill Festival 2024 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on November 23. The festival will start from December 1. (Morung file Photo)
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Morung Express News
Kohima | November 29
Nagaland is all set to celebrate the 25th edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival, often dubbed the ‘Festival of Festivals.’
Announcing this at a press conference held today, Minister for Tourism, Temjen Imna Along said this milestone event will not only showcase the vibrant culture and heritage of the Naga people, but also serve as a platform for international collaboration, networking, and investment opportunities.
Besides, the main event taking at the Heritage Village, Kisama, the 10-day festival, is extended to various districts including Dimapur, Zunheboto, Chümoukedima etc.
Along also informed that this year the festival features four country partners—United States, United Kingdom (Wales), Japan and Peru; and two state partners—Sikkim and Telangana.
Budget for infrastructure & festival
In view of the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, the venue at Kisama has undergone significant infrastructural upgrades with an allotted amount of Rs.100 crore.
The annual allocated budget for the Festival has also been enhanced to Rs 6.5 crore, an enhancement of one crore.
Informing this, the Minister said the amphitheater and galleries have been constructed in record time, with safety measures vetted by experts from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT).
The revamped infrastructure, he said will host not only the festival but also major concerts and expos throughout the year.
Partnerships extend beyond cultural exchange
When queried, Advisor to the Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha, said partnerships extend beyond cultural exchanges, incorporating business roundtables, literature events, film screenings and many more. He emphasised the international partnership as “significant achievement” for Nagaland elaborating that delegations from the partner countries come not only to promote their arts, crafts and tourism but also come exploring for trade and investment opportunities. He cited past collaborations out of such partnerships as scholarships and CSR activities with Germany and Japan etc.
Festival's economic impact
Terming the economic impact of the 10-day festival as 'remarkable', Metha cited an independent economic analysis wherein an estimated Rs 200 crore have been generated benefiting various sectors like hospitality, transport, entrepreneurs etc. He also stated over 8,500 jobs were created in past editions, showcasing the festival as an economic driver.
Sustainability and green Initiatives
While futile efforts were made to ban/reduce plastic use in the last edition, Metha reiterated the government's commitment to making the festival eco-friendly. He maintained that stalls will be encouraged to use recycled materials while hinting on a long-term plan to establish sustainable waste management systems at Kisama.
Cultural and spiritual unity
Minister Along further informed that a pre-Christmas prayer service will be held on December 8 at Kisama, fostering spiritual unity among participants. In this regard, he has urged all to come and be a part of the service. Further, he asked all to use the festival as an opportunity to connect with global communities while preserving their cultural identity.
Urges collective effort for successful Hornbill Festival
Highlighting the significant milestone of the Hornbill Festival, Metha said this is a collective achievement of the entire Naga society. He urged the community to come together and showcase the best of Naga culture and hospitality to the world.
Metha also clarified that the Hornbill Festival, while rooted in Naga traditions, is primarily a tourism promotion event and called upon all to consider themselves as stakeholders in its success and contribute to making the festival memorable for visitors.
While acknowledging the 'potential' challenges, Metha appealed for understanding and cooperation, and urged everyone to work towards providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for tourists, focusing on extending love, respect, and a human touch.
