Dimapur, Jan. 17 (EMN): The Chang community’s Poanglüm Hornbill Festival has concluded after three days of grand celebrations in Tuensang.
The advisor for Tourism, Khehovi Yepthomi, attended the third-day events of the festival, a press release from the organisers on Friday stated. He was stated to have urged the Chang community to venture into tourism with ‘more vigour because tourism is one industry that ensures maximum economic benefit in today’s world.’
The advisor also gave away commendation certificates to some villages and associations. They included Chingmei village for its annual turnover of INR 1.3 crore from large cardamom production; Chendang village for selling more than 200 tons of potatoes; Longra village for being the largest producer of rice in the Chang area; Confederation of Chang Students’ Union for initiating innovative educational reforms; Chang Gazetted Officers’ Association for initiating Urban Sochum, a coaching centre for competitive examinations.
The president of the Sumi Hoho Hekhushe Shikhu attended the festival as the “tribal guest,” the press release stated.
According to the press release, “He profoundly remarked on importance of fostering better relation between all communities.”
Cultural troupes from different communities including the Sangtam, Khiamniungan, and Chang gave traditional music and dance performances.
Later in the evening, the Poanglüm festivities featured various artistes performing classic songs. The special guest for the evening was Brigadier SK Sheoran, DIG of the 7th sector Assam Rifles in Tuensang, the updates stated.
The press release stated that around 40,000 visitors were there during the three days of the festival. 26 morungs were built by different villages which were used as exhibition and business stalls. The main items of the business stalls were cash crops, cereals, pulses, organic vegetables, fruits, flowers, ginger candies, organic jaggery, forest produce, handicrafts, woodcrafts, souvenirs, and food etc.
“As per initial estimate, a record turnover of Rs. 40-50 lakh was accrued by the Morung business stalls during the 3 days celebration,” the press release asserted.
