A view of Kapamodzü.
Morung Express News
Kapamodzü | October 13
Following the overwhelming turnout of visitors to Kapamodzü to witness the cosmos in bloom last October, Rekha Rose Dukru, who manages the Majestic Kapamodzü has decided to take the experience further by organising the first edition of the Mountain Festival under the tagline “Where Nature Meets Adventure” from October 11-13.
Making a haven for sports adventure, events such as XCO Mountain Bike Challenge, Go-Carting and Penalty Shoot Out were organised drawing participants even from outside the state. “The Mountain Festival is a very humble beginning but we have a vision that one day, it will be the most sought after festival in Nagaland”, Rekha Rose Dukru expressed during the inaugural of the first edition of the festival.
Stating that Kapamodzü has been home for her for almost two years now, she shared how people from various walks of life and from different places across the globe have made memories at Kapamodzü and also witnessed the glory of nature and the wondrous creation of God.
While there have been people who asked why not cultural or music festival, she underscored that “we already have a lot of that” and asserted that there is so much potential for adventure sports but no facility. In this regard, she stated that “we want Kapamodzü to be a haven for adventure sports.” She also highlighted that paragliding was done at Kapamodzü earlier this year with more in the pipeline in the next couple of months.
Addressing the opening of the first edition of the Mountain Festival, Kethosituo Sekhose, NCS Director, Department of Youth & Resources said he was impressed to see mountain biking live for the first time and remarked that the participating cyclists are professional in their outlook, which, he added is “very encouraging”. It may be noted that 11 cyclists participated in the XCO Mountain Bike Challenge.
Over the years, he said that, “under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Nagaland, the department has been thinking of changing our outlook”, which has also resulted in the change of the department’s logo recently with the slogan: “explore, empower and emancipate.”
He also gave highlights on hosting the first-ever Hornbill E-Sports Tournament later this year and stated in this regard that, “we want to give opportunities to our youths” while exuding hope that young people can benefit from such ventures.
Stating that one thing that the government is looking at is “Sports Tourism” and having witnessed the mountain bike challenge, he noted that, “this is one area we can venture into and take it to a higher level.” He commended Rekha Rose Dukru on the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Majestic Kapamodzü team for organising it and also added that the department will plan programmes for Kapamodzü in the days to come.
President of Razeba Public Organisation, Deo Movi spoke on the potential of tourism in the Razeba area while expressing that the area is richly blessed with natural beauty and resources. He also cited precious resources such as the clean air, fresh water and produce of healthy food in the area besides its scenic beauty. Pointing out that the Razeba area has immense potential for tourism, he further urged that the government has to intervene for tourism to flourish in the area.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Athe Rhi while there were a total of 11 participants in the XCO Mountain Bike Challenge which was held on the first day of the Mountain Festival. It was flagged off from Pfütsero and took the participants about an hour to reach Kapamodzü peak.
Kevin John Khyllait and Alancemayer Lyngdoh Nonglait, both from Meghalaya were adjudged first and second of the XCO Mountain Bike Challenge while Pekindibo Nring from Chümoukedima won the third position and Midan Kikon and Thejangulie Koza were given consolation prizes.
