Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse opened the first edition of the flower festival on November 30 at Kohima.
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 30
Coinciding with the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival 2024, the first edition of the flower festival of the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Kohima under the theme ‘Worship the Lord in beauty’ was inaugurated at Kohima Diocese Golden Jubilee Hall.
The festival organised in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and Department of Tourism will be held from November 30 to December 8.
Gracing the festival as the special guest, Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse described it as a celebration of ‘faith, beauty, and community.’
The festival, she maintained is not only about showcasing of floral artistry, but which also testify ‘our’ profound belief in the power of worship and the transformative beauty of nature given by God.
Kruse congratulated the recent landmark recognition of Mary Help of Christian Cathedral as a National Pilgrimage Centre by the Government of India, and expressed hope the Cathedral’s landscaping will be developed through the partnership with the departments, and create perennial beauty that will further enrich the spiritual experiences.
Acknowledging the members of the Church in organising the flower festival, she prayed that the festival will inspire all to cultivate beauty in ‘our’ hearts, mind and surroundings and strive to create a world where faith and beauty intertwine.
Terming it as a history for the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil DD, Bishop of Kohima Diocese in his message, said that the Cathedral has become a land mark and pride of Kohima, which is visited by hundreds of people both as tourist and pilgrims every year.
The Cathedral Church, he stated presents a beautiful fusion of Naga culture and Christian faith with architectural and engineering marvel made without the help of any modern machinery.
The Bishop also informed that the Cathedral holds this Flower Festival coinciding with the Hornbill festival that has become the biggest and best show designed to promote, preserve and showcase cultural heritage of the Nagas aiming to revive and to protect the unique tradition, cultural legacy and unity of the Naga people.
“The colourful blooms remind us of the intricate web of life, which we are called to respect, protect, and preserve” said the Bishop adding that Horticulture, has great potential as a cottage industry and entrepreneurship in Nagaland.
This flower festival is only an initiative to show case the great potential and avenue for a flourishing horticulture industry in Nagaland, he stated.
“As we admire the beauty and variety of flowers through this flower festival let’s reflect on our relationship with creation with a sense of gratitude, responsibility and feeling of intimacy and interconnectedness with each other and nature” the Bishop reminded.
Convenor of the Flower Festival, Neivakrano Christina the festival offers every visitor a unique experience to learn something and enjoy with display of variety of flowers and sustainable gardening practices to the artistry of magnifying landscapes.
Through this event, she was optimistic of creating an enduring impact promote environmental awareness and encourage a deeper appreciation towards the beauty of nature gifted by God.
“Just as the flowers bloom in their own season, we too are called to bloom in our faith, letting God's love and beauty shine through us in every aspect of our lives” stated Christina.
Later, the Minister presented the awards to winners of the Fresh Flower arrangement competition, and declared the Flower festival open by cutting the ribbon.
