Yansathung Jami of Yamhoom Old Village under Wokha district seen here offering traditional welcome during the inauguration of Hornbill Festival 2011 at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on Thursday. (Morung Photo)
Kisama | December 1: The annual seven-day Hornbill Festival – the Festival of Festivals – was formally kicked off today by Governor Nikhil Kumar at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama as chief host in presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio who is host of the festival.
Addressing an impressive gathering at the inaugural function, the Governor emphasized that the Hornbill Festival is not just any festival but a festival that brings together all the people, tribes and communities of Nagaland on one platform.
He also opined that the Hornbill is rightfully called the ‘Festival of Festivals’ as within this single platform, it showcases all the different cultures of the Naga tribes and the people living in Nagaland. Stressing on unity, the Governor said that the state has felt the need for unity cutting across all tribal affiliations and local factors. Let our strength be our unity because only through unity can we give our society development to achieve progress and prosperity, he said and complimented the state government on coming up with this unique initiative to bring the people together.
He was also full of praise for Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his vision and initiative in conceptualizing this festival which, he said, has brought the people together under the aegis of the Hornbill Festival. The festival, he said, is an achievement of the state government.
Also, noting that the day coincides with Nagaland’s Statehood Day marking completion of 48 years of Nagaland’s statehood, he said on this auspicious day, Nagas should remember the former leaders and pioneers. Extending a warm welcome to the foreign dignitaries, delegates and participants from across the globe, he expressed hope that they would have a comfortable and memorable stay in the state during the Hornbill Festival. He also lauded the State Tourism department for making the festival a grand success.
After the Governor’s Address, traditional blessings were invoked by the Tribal Guest, Yansathung Jami from Yanmhon Old Village Wokha after which the Chief Host formally declared the festival open. Organised by the State Government, Hornbill Festival is an annual tourism promotional event to showcase Nagaland’s traditional and rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur.
Addressing an impressive gathering at the inaugural function, the Governor emphasized that the Hornbill Festival is not just any festival but a festival that brings together all the people, tribes and communities of Nagaland on one platform.
He also opined that the Hornbill is rightfully called the ‘Festival of Festivals’ as within this single platform, it showcases all the different cultures of the Naga tribes and the people living in Nagaland. Stressing on unity, the Governor said that the state has felt the need for unity cutting across all tribal affiliations and local factors. Let our strength be our unity because only through unity can we give our society development to achieve progress and prosperity, he said and complimented the state government on coming up with this unique initiative to bring the people together.
He was also full of praise for Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for his vision and initiative in conceptualizing this festival which, he said, has brought the people together under the aegis of the Hornbill Festival. The festival, he said, is an achievement of the state government.
Also, noting that the day coincides with Nagaland’s Statehood Day marking completion of 48 years of Nagaland’s statehood, he said on this auspicious day, Nagas should remember the former leaders and pioneers. Extending a warm welcome to the foreign dignitaries, delegates and participants from across the globe, he expressed hope that they would have a comfortable and memorable stay in the state during the Hornbill Festival. He also lauded the State Tourism department for making the festival a grand success.
After the Governor’s Address, traditional blessings were invoked by the Tribal Guest, Yansathung Jami from Yanmhon Old Village Wokha after which the Chief Host formally declared the festival open. Organised by the State Government, Hornbill Festival is an annual tourism promotional event to showcase Nagaland’s traditional and rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur.
