Dimapur, October 19 (MExN): The inaugural programme of the 3rd edition of Autumn Festival, a prelude to the 25th Hornbill Festival was launched at Nagaland House, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi on October 18.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland was the chief host of the event. Union Minister of State, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Social Justice and Empowerment, BL Verma graced the inaugural function along with Mugdha Sinha IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as chief guest and Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru in India as the honoured guest.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education while addressing the gathering said that the Autumn Festival is a countdown to the Hornbill Festival and called on the 17 Naga tribes to unite and prepare for the upcoming festival. He invited those present to be a part of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival which will be celebrated from December 1 to 10 at Kisama.
Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Mugdha Sinha commended the Naga’s persistence and continuity that they have managed to reach the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival.
Dr G Hukugha Sema, IRS, Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism, Government of Nagaland delivered the welcome address. Guests were treated to a cultural extravaganza which included song performance by Ao Naga Choir, cultural song by Ao students, a fashion show on traditional Naga wear by Kitem and traditional Naga wrestling match was played. DGP Band also performed at the programme.
The second day of Autumn Festival was graced by Advisor to Chief Minister & Chairman IDAN, Abu Metha as the chief guest stated that the Autumn Festival is a curtain raiser of the Hornbill Festival and it aspires to reach out to different sections of people in the national capital and other parts of the country to visit the Hornbill Festival.
The three-day festival will continue till October 20. It is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland in collaboration with the Resident Commissioner’s Office, Nagaland House, New Delhi with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The programme will begin at 4:00 PM on October 20 and is open to the public.
