Kohima | November 29 : This year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival, scheduled to kick off on Thursday, promises to be an extraordinary event with the state government lining up a number of additional attractions and the organizers confirming participation of an unprecedented number of tourists – both foreign and domestic – including high-ranking or “honoured guests” from across the globe.
The Hornbill Festival – dubbed the ‘Festival of Festivals’ – has grown over the last decade since its inception to become the biggest cultural event in the entire Asia today. To add to this, it is also host to of one of the biggest international sporting events – the International Hornbill Motor Rally – boasting of being the biggest cash prizes in the country and perhaps even on the continent.
Besides, the state government is also expecting an overwhelming increase in the number of participants and visitors this year comparing to the earlier editions of the festival which is a conglomeration of all tribal festivals of the Nagas. For the record, the Hornbill Festival is included in the national calendar of tourism and is supposed to be the biggest cultural event in the entire Asia.
Briefing mediapersons at the Tourism Directorate building here today, Commissioner & Secretary in charge of Tourism, Himato Sema said Tourism department, which is the main sponsor department of the state government, has received confirmation of participation of a number of foreign dignitaries or high-profile guests including two ministers from Laos besides the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and a couple of our country’s own union ministers.
Highlighting some of the major attractions of the festival, Himato informed that Governor Nikhil Kumar will be the chief host while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the host of the grand event. At the inaugural function at 10 a.m. on the day, traditional welcome will be accorded by Angami Nagas from Viswema village while traditional blessings will be invoked by tribal host, Yansathung Jami of Yanmhon Old Village, Wokha after which the chief host will officially declare the festival open.
Highlighting some of the major added attractions to this year’s edition, Himato informed that a number of special attractions have been added to this year’s edition in an effort to give the festival variety and choice to all desiring to take part in the premier festival of the Nagas.
Some of the major added attractions include pork fat eating competition, display of fire-eating by Konyak fire-eaters, Hornbill Literature Festival, release of comic book on folktales of Nagaland, Hornbill fashion show, etc.
The state government would be spending about Rs.2 crore for this year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival – an added Rs.50 lakh to last year’s budget of Rs. 1.5 crore. Meanwhile, stating that tourism is all set to become the highest employment sector in Nagaland during the 12th Plan, Himato urged the private investors to gear up for the tourism sector.
More hornbill related news in Page10, 11
The Hornbill Festival – dubbed the ‘Festival of Festivals’ – has grown over the last decade since its inception to become the biggest cultural event in the entire Asia today. To add to this, it is also host to of one of the biggest international sporting events – the International Hornbill Motor Rally – boasting of being the biggest cash prizes in the country and perhaps even on the continent.
Besides, the state government is also expecting an overwhelming increase in the number of participants and visitors this year comparing to the earlier editions of the festival which is a conglomeration of all tribal festivals of the Nagas. For the record, the Hornbill Festival is included in the national calendar of tourism and is supposed to be the biggest cultural event in the entire Asia.
Briefing mediapersons at the Tourism Directorate building here today, Commissioner & Secretary in charge of Tourism, Himato Sema said Tourism department, which is the main sponsor department of the state government, has received confirmation of participation of a number of foreign dignitaries or high-profile guests including two ministers from Laos besides the High Commissioner of Bangladesh and a couple of our country’s own union ministers.
Highlighting some of the major attractions of the festival, Himato informed that Governor Nikhil Kumar will be the chief host while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the host of the grand event. At the inaugural function at 10 a.m. on the day, traditional welcome will be accorded by Angami Nagas from Viswema village while traditional blessings will be invoked by tribal host, Yansathung Jami of Yanmhon Old Village, Wokha after which the chief host will officially declare the festival open.
Highlighting some of the major added attractions to this year’s edition, Himato informed that a number of special attractions have been added to this year’s edition in an effort to give the festival variety and choice to all desiring to take part in the premier festival of the Nagas.
Some of the major added attractions include pork fat eating competition, display of fire-eating by Konyak fire-eaters, Hornbill Literature Festival, release of comic book on folktales of Nagaland, Hornbill fashion show, etc.
The state government would be spending about Rs.2 crore for this year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival – an added Rs.50 lakh to last year’s budget of Rs. 1.5 crore. Meanwhile, stating that tourism is all set to become the highest employment sector in Nagaland during the 12th Plan, Himato urged the private investors to gear up for the tourism sector.
More hornbill related news in Page10, 11
