KISAMA — The ten-day festive flight of the silver edition of
Hornbill Festival finally came to an end with a grand closing ceremony held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama,
on Tuesday evening.
The grand finale was marked by spectacular displays of
the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland, with Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna
Along as the festival host.
During the
10-day festival, the main venue drew a total of 2, 05, 968 visitors, including
2, 527 foreign tourists, 56, 219 domestic tourists and 1, 47, 716 local
visitors from Nagaland.
The last day
alone witnessed a total of 32, 018 visitors including 23, 816 local, 8, 113
domestic and 152 foreign tourists.
In his
address, the festival host acknowledged God for allowing the people, the Nagas
of Nagaland and all communities to resonate unity, spirituality, and the zeal
and enthusiasm to live unitedly in prosperity.
Along also
lauded the dynamic and seasoned leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio which
has enabled the Hornbill Festival to evolve beyond cultural, tribal and festive
celebrations into a platform for networking, growth and prosperity under his
guidance.
Additionally,
he acknowledged the Advisor for Art and Culture, K Konngam Konyak, along with
all officials and tribal cultural groups, artisans from across Nagaland, who
came together in unity, forging new bonds of resilience and perseverance.
He further
commended the relentless efforts of the Police department and the Home
department, which worked tirelessly day and night to ensure seamless traffic
flow, contributing to the successful 10-day commemoration of the 25th Hornbill
Festival.
Acknowledging
the contributions of state machinery and all line departments led by the
ministers, advisors, AHoDs, and HoDs under the stewardship of Chief Secretary
Dr. J Alam, Along expressed his gratitude for their collective effort in
showcasing excellence at the Hornbill Festival, fostering new and stronger
partnerships to propel Nagaland's prosperity through the festival and beyond.
The minister
also credited the people of Nagaland and churches for their “positivity and
ownership,” which helped build the brand of Nagaland through the Hornbill
Festival.
Further, he
expressed gratitude to all the visitors, country partners and state partners
and reiterated the state’s aspiration to work together, exchange culture and
traditions, and showcase the best that Nagaland and its partners have to offer
through collaboration and partnership.
To mark the
culmination of the festival, the minister along with Miss Nagaland 2024, Anon
Konyak A and the pageant’s first runner-up Nikali K Shohe and second runner-up
Kelülü Dawhuo, lit the traditional the bonfire.
Musical
performances by Big Mountain, Tetseo Sisters, Alobo Naga, Nagaland Folkloric
and DJ Olly Esse, captivated the audience.
