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Motorbike riders gather at Kisama village in Kohima district after reaching the village from Thizama, on Dec. 9. Around 400 riders from across the country and a couple from abroad are said to have joined the biking event for this year’s edition of the Hornbill Festival.[/caption]
Kohima December 9 (EMN): The 7th edition of the Hornbill Riders Meet, a two-day event organised by the Nagaland Motorcycle Club concluded on Dec. 9 with the riders from across the country taking a final ride to the Naga ‘heritage village,’ Kisama village. The event was conducted as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival.
This year around 400 Riders from across the country and a couple from outside the country got to live their dreams as they camped on the outskirts of Thizama village in Kohima for the two-day event. Several programmes such as live music, a DJ night and indigenous games were also conducted. The riders also rode to Puliebadze peak on Dec. 8. Later in the evening, they visited the Night Carnival in Kohima.
The riders’ event has slowly become bigger and better over the years. This year too, it has definitely not disappointed those that have ridden their Royal Enfield thousands of kilometres to be part of the event. The event is not just a meeting for Royal Enfield riders but more about ‘bringing people from different places with different cultures together as one and showcase the beauty of Nagaland, the hospitality of the people and the rich culture and traditions of Nagaland.’
The event saw riders from the entire Northeast states, other parts of the country besides a few from outside the country including one each from Bhutan and Japan.
Dabu from Manipur had only positive things to say about the meeting. “I am extremely satisfied with the event and was greatly touched by the hospitality of the Naga people," he said. He added that it was indeed a dream come true for him to see Nagaland which he described as a beautiful place; and experience the hospitality of a beautiful people. He urged others to join the Hornbill Riders Meet in the years to come, which he promised he definitely would do.
Another rider was Linus M Zo from Aizawl Thunders. He said this was his first experience of the Hornbill Festival. The biker said to have enjoyed the experience especially the food, the land of the state and most importantly the hospitality and the generosity of the Naga people.
Tobgay from Bhutan also said that he had thoroughly enjoyed his first visit to Nagaland and the Hornbill Riders Meet. He assured he would definitely come next year as well.
The bikers’ meeting has become one of the major attractions of the Hornbill Festival and the 2018 edition of the event has definitely not disappointed anyone. Judging by the response of the riders the event will only grow bigger in the years to come.
