Atono Tsiikrii
KOHIMA, DECEMBER 13
The just concluded 10-day Hornbill Festival has recorded an increase number of both domestic and foreign tourists.
As per the information by a tourist officer, this Hornbill festival has attracted around 234113 visitors with a total of 1144 foreign tourists.
Though the 10-day festival didn’t go down too well with the local citizens of the state, no doubt foreign tourists were left quiet impressed in getting an opportunity to witness the colourful attires and performances by all the tribes of Nagaland- all in one place- The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
55-year-old Raelene, a retired librarian who came all the way from Australia with a crew of 10 people including friends and family said she is fascinated by the colourful cultures of the Nagas.
Raelene said she had seen pictures and heard a lot about Nagaland and its cultures from her friends who visited the state earlier, and undertook her first visit to the state to experience and witness with her own eyes about what she heard and seen in the pictures.
Raelene who landed on December 8 for the Hornbill festival is full of appreciation for the venue, which she said is ‘spectacular and at an appropriate place’.
Talking about the people, she said, the people are very friendly, warm and beautiful. She just loved the music, singing, dancing and the colourful dresses of the Nagas. Being a craftsperson herself, she is very appreciative of the crafts displayed at the stalls.
She regretted not having sufficient time to explore the towns and villages, but loves to come back next year.
A couple from France, 70-year-old D.Morlaf and his 65-year-old wife G.Loyre who travelled together for the last 2 years after their retirement, said they were fascinated to discover the rich heritage and cultures of the Nagas.
The couple landed at Kisama on December 3 for the first time, and are full of praise for the food and the people. Loyre said, the Naga people are very cultured ‘especially the ladies’ who according to her are highly intellectual, decent and well-mannered.
They have been travelling together around the world to learn about the different culture of the people. They also wished to see Dimapur Kachari ruins.
One interesting thing about the couple is that they didn’t put up in any hotel during their stay at Kohima, but stayed in their own camp at Kisama and enjoyed their time by exploring the places.
When asked if they wish to come back, they said they would love too and smilingly said they may be too old to come back and moreover they have other places to travel around.
Another young couple from Germany are also full of praise of the festival, and said their experience will be a memorable one.
It is heartening and glad to know that our guests – tourists have left with a good impression about our state, hope they will tell good things about us when they reach home.
