Singer Phelao performing a song during the culmination of the 3rd Autumn Festival at Nagaland House, New Delhi, on October 20.
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 20 (MExN): The 3rd edition of the Autumn Festival came to a vibrant close on October 20, 2024, at the Lawns of Nagaland House on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.
The three-day event, which began on October 18, brought together the Naga community residing in the capital region, along with guests and well-wishers from across Delhi.
This year’s festival served as a prelude to the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, scheduled to take place from December 1 to 10, 2024, in Kisama. The culmination program featured distinguished guests, including Sunit Kumar Barnwal, Additional Secretary of Higher Education in the Government of India, who attended as the guest of honour, and Alison Barrett, Director of the British Council, who was the honoured guest.
Temjen Imna Along, the Minister of Tourism and Higher Education for the Government of Nagaland, served as the chief host of the event, with Wennyei Konyak, the Resident Commissioner of Nagaland House, acting as the host. The festival featured captivating performances from the Delhi Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union, along with Naga artists Shelao Kheang, Phelao, Samuel, and DGP Band, who entertained the audience with a mix of popular English and Hindi songs, as well as original Naga compositions.
Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, attended as the chief guest on the second day.
He expressed his honor in participating in the festival, emphasizing the importance of interacting with the Naga community and sharing the Naga way of life. He praised the energy and confidence of the youth, noting the overwhelming support from well-wishers keen to embrace the “Nagaland Experience.” Metha also commended the efforts of Nagaland Tourism under Minister Temjen Imna Along and the Resident Commissioner’s Office for the festival's success.
The event also showcased various artisans, entrepreneurs, and Naga brands, including Runway India, Ukrü Crafts, and Kintem. ‘Women Folk,’ a Naga brand under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission, reported a positive response from visitors throughout the festival.
Mongken, associated with the Department of Underdeveloped Areas, highlighted the popularity of Naga textiles, designs, and jewellery among shoppers. Green Accent, a company from Phek, Nagaland, dealing in organic fruits, vegetables, and value-added products, shared similar positive feedback from attendees.
