Hornbill Festival Extension celebrated at Doyang

WOKHA — The third edition of the Hornbill Festival Extension was celebrated at the Doyang Tourist Resort in Wokha district on Friday with CH R John Zeliang, Executive Director (Technical) and HoP, DHEP NEEPCo/NTPC Ltd., as the guest of honour.

The opening day featured traditional boat racing in both single and double categories, a 50-metre freestyle swimming competition, and a tug-of-war (men’s category, 8x8). The day concluded with a musical extravaganza.

Addressing the gathering, Zeliang highlighted the tourism potential of Wokha district as a key driver of the local economy alongside power generation.

He stressed that the quality of services provided to visitors would determine the success of tourism, noting that even a single family offering a hygienic homestay could generate significant revenue. 

Also read: Arunachal Pradesh showcases culture at Hornbill Festival 2025

On cultural transition, he lamented the lapses in practices of trust, loyalty, and honesty, which he described as the true essence of cultural celebration.

Zeliang urged the community to promote culture with an accommodative spirit for the progress of society, rather than for individual benefit. 

 “Culture is not stationary but evolving,” he said, encouraging the removal of harmful practices while preserving authenticity and originality. He wished the organisers success in the two-day event and commended their efforts in promoting culture alongside festivity.

Deputy Director for Tourism, Lichumo Kikon, in his address, said the department and the government were committed to building tourism as a sustainable industry to create opportunities and strengthen the state’s economy.

He urged citizens to actively participate by learning the trade and providing quality facilities to both local and non-local tourists. He also highlighted various government visions and projects aimed at promoting tourism in Wokha and Nagaland.

In his welcome speech, Dr. Thungdemo Kyong, chief of Team Metamorphosis, acknowledged the department’s support and expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the association, which has successfully organised three events at Doyang. He assured that the association would continue to promote tourism and related activities in the district with greater public participation in the future.

President of the Land Owners Union (LOU) Doyang, Roland Lotha, assured cooperation in conducting such events to promote tourism at Doyang. He emphasised that the area not only contributes to power generation and fishing but also holds immense potential for tourism. He lauded NEEPCO Doyang for providing jobs, supporting fishermen, and enhancing recreation through the scenic beauty of Doyang. He encouraged youth to initiate innovative activities to harness tourism opportunities.

Results

Tug-of-war: Champions – Midland Colony, Wokha; 1st runners-up – Doyang Lion; 2nd runners-up - Just for Fun 

Freestyle swimming: First – Pitor; first runner-up – Nongothung; second runner-up - Ronsuthung

Boat racing (double) – First - Lawrence and Zaremo; first runners-up - Njamo Odyuo and Tumbemo; second runners-up -

Chichamo and Lumchamo

Boat racing (single): First – Yibemo; first runner-up – Lawrence; second runner-up - Zubemo Yanthan.