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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 30 (EMN): The much-anticipated 23rd edition of the Hornbill Festival 2022 begins today at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.
Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar will officially launch the 10-day cultural extravaganza at 4 pm as chief guest.
Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi will be the chief host of the event, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio host, and Advisor of Tourism and Art and Culture H Khehovi Yeputhomi, festival host, while Yekhusu Tureng of Porbami village, Phek from Chakhesang community, will be the tribal guest.
The honoured guests for the day include Emanuel Lenain, Ambassador of France to India; Barry O’ Farrell Ao, Australian High Commissioner to India; and Alan Gemmell, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India.
Also dubbed as the ‘festival of festivals,’ Hornbill Festival is organised by the Government of Nagaland every year to showcase the state’s rich traditions and cultural heritage.
The festival is the coming together of all the elements that make Nagaland and exemplifies the Naga way of life.
It is also a tribute to the hornbill bird, which is known for its qualities of alertness and grandeur.
The majestic bird is closely identified with the social and cultural life of the Nagas as reflected in various tribal folklore, dances and songs. The awe and admiration for the bird is symbolically displayed on almost all traditional headgear worn during the festival and is indicative of the unity of the Nagas.
Over the years, the festival has gained in stature and scale. It has become a unique platform for tourists from around the world to witness the cultural diversity not only of the Nagas but also the other states of Northeast India.
Visitors can witness the rich and unique cultural displays in the form of songs, dances, attires, food and local brews at the morungs of various tribes; handicrafts made of clay, wood, bamboo and other materials, handloom, local fruits and vegetables, traditional games and other blends of arts, music and entertainment.