Despite the eagerness to attend Hornbill Festival, circumstances kept me from attending it for years. Having settled in Kohima now, this is an event which I rarely miss out. Taking a stand not to attend it is akin to breaking New Year’s resolution. The inexplicable aura of friendliness, festivity and excitement that permeates over all section of citizens of Nagaland and across boundaries with the onset of the festival makes it unique and peculiar at the same time. Traffic jam, trumpeting sound of vehicles free flow exhaust, night carnival and quick fix repair of roads leading to Kisama are all part of this festival.
Among all the excitement-filled activities such as traditional dances, king chilli eating, wrestling and Naga Chef competition, and tourists revelling with rice beer-filled bamboo cups in their hands; the Hornbill music festival, the Hornbill Motor Car Rally and Motorcycle Rally organised by Nagaland Motorcycle Club are events to behold. I am feeling blessed for having got the opportunity in not only witnessing the events but also having participated in one of these events.
The visionary Model Project conceptualised under the leadership of then Chief Minister Dr. S.C Jamir and the continued patronage and support extended by successive governments with equal zeal to this day have ensured that Hornbill Festival is here to stay. Since I have been attending Hornbill Festival almost every year, I was thinking of taking a break from attending this year. But then, who knows, it might become just another New Year’s resolution especially the year 2024 being its 25th Anniversary of celebration.
M. Kayina