The largest celebration of Nagaland and one of the biggest events of the entire Northeastern region of the country, the Hornbill Festival began today in the Kisama near the state’s capital.
Called the Festival of Festivals, it showcases the traditions and cultures of all the major tribes of the state. It encapsulates traditional dance and music, dresses and ornaments, food and beverages and more from the region into one mega-celebration. Each major tribe has its own Morung or traditional Naga hut, and they showcase their individual cultures.
The beginning of the ten-day Hornbill festival celebration marks the statehood day of Nagaland which falls on December 1. This year’s inauguration saw the presence of Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President of the country along with several other dignitaries. These include the Ambassador of France to India, the Trade Commissioner for South Asia & British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India and the Australian High Commissioner to India
The necessary arrangements were made beforehand by the government representatives as well as the volunteers. Although the preparations have been made, some tourists are sceptic to visit after last year’s incident.
But seven of the major tribes of the state have decided not to take any part in this year’s event. These tribes are members of the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation. And they had earlier announced that they will boycott the event if the central government did not pay heed to their demand of a separate state. The Union Home Minister will meet the representatives this weekend to discuss the issue.
Several other events are also aligned on the sidelines of the Hornbill Festival to target the tourists coming to the region. Some of them include off-roading and motorsports events, horticulture shows and competitions. Culinary competitions and trekking in the popular Dzukou valley of the state are also included.
