Our Correspondent
Kohima, Oct. 6 (EMN): Following the state government’s decision to host Hornbill Festival this year, preparations have begun at 'The Naga Heritage Village' Kisama.
The joint director of Nagaland Tourism, Veyielo Doulo, confirmed that the department is all set for the upcoming 22nd edition of the Hornbill Festival after a year’s gap.
Speaking to journalists, he said the work had started and the department had a target to complete all the works, including the tribal morungs by November 15 and set Kisama ready for the event.
When asked about the tribal morungs laying in a dilapidated condition, the official replied that a co-ordination meeting was already conducted with the tribal hohos. He maintained that the representatives were 'willing and were rather excited' and that the government had also enhanced the financial aid.
Meanwhile, the official also maintained that as per the preliminary information, the Hornbill Festival could be celebrated for only one week this year unlike 10 days in the past.
He however said that official confirmation and the decision of the state government is awaited on this.
It may also be mentioned that a Cabinet minister has also informed that the government was yet to take a final decision with regard to the number of days for Hornbill Festival. However, he hinted at reducing the number of days for celebration.
It was informed that the decision on this will be taken at the next Cabinet meeting which is expected to be held this month.
While expressing hope that 'there is more excitement amongst the people' after the celebration of the festival was disrupted last year, the official said there will be more surprises this time with new and innovative ideas. He added that the opening ceremony as well as closing ceremony of this year’s edition will be 'quite interesting'.
Doulo also opined that the turn-out will not be lesser than the previous editions, which used to be a huge tourist attraction – both international and domestic visitors, despite some existing travel restrictions still in place due to the ongoing Covid-9 pandemic.
Further, the official informed that in view of the prevailing situation, strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be put in place, adding that there are SOPs from the Ministry of Tourism as well as the state government.
In this regard, he maintained that tourists who are not vaccinated will be barred from attending the Hornbill Festival, and for which vaccination certificates will have to be produced. Protocols will be maintained from all entry points or the visitors will have to produce Covid-19 negative test results not exceeding three days.
Doulo also informed that Nagaland will host the International Tourism Mart that will take place from November 28, which is a three-day event, wherein the participants will also witness the Hornbill Festival.
He said that all the eight north-eastern states will take part in the event and about 500 delegates are expected.
Further, he informed that the stakeholders of tourism like tour operators from abroad and within the country will be attending the event, wherein conferences, exhibitions and B2B (Business-to-Business) sessions will be held.