Chizokho Vero
Kisama | December 1
The week-long Hornbill Festival of Nagaland made a colorful start today with the display of various cultural traditions of the Nagas in the presence dignitaries and tourists from different parts of the world. “As Nagaland marches towards an era of peace and development, Hornbill festival symbolizes the new Nagaland,” said Governor K. Sankaranarayanan in his inaugural speech at Naga Heritage Complex.
“Visitors and tourists visiting Nagaland will realize that Nagaland is peaceful and it is vibrant. Nagaland is colourful and youthful. We have modernized but we have kept our cultural heritage intact,” he said and termed the Hornbill festival as an opportunity where “we showcase the best of our dances, music and culture.” Saying that Hornbill festival represents the fusion of the traditional and the modern, the Governor stated that it is also special for it is named after the great Hornbill which is not only the most revered of all birds for the Nagas but also symbolizes Nagas’ cultural heritage. It is a distinct part of the traditional folklores, customs and dresses, specially the headgear of the Nagas.
It also represents the inherent unity and oneness of all Naga tribes, he said.
He also stated that the festival has definitely grown in stature by figuring the Hornbill National Rock Contest, Hornbill Motor Rally, Food Festival and other activities. Also singing sweet tune on the scenic beauty of Kisama, the Governor also stressed on the need to invest in infrastructure in order to sustain tourism. He also stated that Kohima can be planned into a modern city with good traffic systems and parking bays in order to create convenience for the tourists and urban population.
Also referring to the re-introduction of Helicopter service from today in Nagaland, Sankaranarayanan said that it will open up the nooks and corners for the state for tourism.
The Governor also stated that when all tribes and people from all districts get together in this festival of Nagaland, and pray for peace and development, “we are sure to be blessed.”
Also referring to Colours and Rhythms of Nagaland in the cultural exposition, he urged upon all the guests and tourists from outside Nagaland to specially observe the traditional dances and songs and notice how the community gets involved in almost all Naga dances and music.
“Naga culture is about joining hands, it is about working together, in true resonance and shows the true spirit of community participation in almost all facets of Naga social life. It is unique, it is distinct and it is remarkable,” he said and hoped that the same spirit continues in all walks of life and helps Nagaland embark on a journey of growth and development, which preserving its cultural heritage and traditions.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed that the Government of India has now recognized the Hornbill festival as one of the national events. “Over the years, the organizers and participants have gained in experience, and the reputation of this annual festival has also spread far and wide –both within and outside the country,” he said adding that the festival has gained its own unique position in the calendar of festivals in the state and the country as a whole. “It has been rightly termed as the ‘festival of festivals.’ It is a mega event, as it is a combination of all the tribal festivals put together,” Rio said.
Over the years, he said, this event has gained in stature and vision. It has now become a unique platform for the tourists to witness the cultural diversity of not only the Nagas, but also the seven other sister states of the North East India, in all their wonders and glory. “Our vision is to make it a self sustainable festival, so that, in the long run, the government’s role would be gradually minimized, and limited to only playing a facilitating or regulatory role, and that this event should become an economically viable proposition,” Rio said.
In order to let sustainable tourism to take place, he said “we need continuing peace and tranquility” adding that in an atmosphere of fear and violence, no worthwhile development or progress can take place anywhere. “Therefore, we should all make concerted efforts to maintain and promote the peaceful atmosphere which we have cultivated and nurtured over the years,” he said.
Rio also stated that if tourism is to forge ahead and take its rightful place on the state, “we need private investors to come and invest in our land.” We are working in that direction to make our land and its people more investor friendly, he said.
Also stating that, today, tourism along with IT and mass communication, are the three largest growing sectors in the country with an annual growth of over 8 per cent each, he said “ Let us not miss this bus on our journey to development and prosperity.”
Yakimung Sangtam the guest of honour pronounced a traditional blessing to signify the beginning of the festival. Kaito Ayeh, minister for works and housing, tourism chaired the function while vote of thanks was proposed by Khekiye K. Sema, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism, Art and Culture. The inaugural programme was followed by songs and dances, visit to traditional houses of different tribes, exhibition, stalls, etc.
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