KOHIMA,(IPR): The Hornbill Festival 2024, a 10-day celebration of
Nagaland’s vibrant culture and traditions, came to a grand conclusion on
Tuesday at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, with a series of spectacular
events.
Known as
the "Festival of Festivals," this milestone edition celebrated 25
years of promoting the rich traditions and unity of the Naga people.
The
festival, which began on December 1, drew enthusiastic participation from
across India and the world, highlighting the diverse cultural heritage of
Nagaland and the importance of inter-state and international cultural
exchanges.
This
year’s edition also saw the active participation of Sikkim and Telangana as
Partner States, adding to the grandeur and inclusivity of the event.
A vibrant
contingent from Sikkim, flagged off by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on
November 29 from Gangtok, actively represented the Himalayan state.
The
delegation included officials and representatives from the Directorate of
Handloom and Handicrafts (DHH), Tourism and Civil Aviation department, Commerce
and Industries department, Culture department, Information and Public Relations
department, Self-Help Groups, media personnel and participants from car and
bike rally teams.
Sikkim's
Tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia also visited the festival during its
course alongside dignitaries including Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, chairman, SIMFED;
Yougan Tamang, press secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim; CS Rao,
principal secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation department; Annapurna Alley, secretary,
Information and Public Relations department; Niraj Pradhan, principal chief
engineer, Tourism and Civil Aviation department; and Rimp Dorjee Lepcha, chief
engineer, Culture department.
The Sikkim
Tourism Minister interacted with the delegation at the Sikkim stalls and
commended their efforts in showcasing the state’s tourism, culture, and
craftsmanship on such a prestigious platform.
Over the
ten days, Sikkim’s vibrant presence captivated audiences through performances
by cultural troupes, traditional arts and crafts, and eco-tourism showcases.
Renowned artisans, including Padmashree Jordan Lepcha and Millet Man Tshering Gyatso
Lepcha, highlighted the State’s expertise in bamboo crafts and sustainable
agriculture.
The final
day of the festival featured two sessions of cultural festivities under the
banner "Culture Connect," organised by the department of Art and
Culture, Government of Nagaland.
The first
session, hosted by Jacob Zhimomi, minister of PHED and Corporation, Nagaland,
with W Chingang Konyak, advisor for Geology & Mining and DUDA, as the
co-host, presented a cultural extravaganza showcasing the unique music, dance,
and attire of the State’s tribes.
The second
session, hosted by Metsubo Jamir, minister of Rural Development and SIRD,
Nagaland, and co-hosted by Temjenmenba, advisor for Transport and Technical
Education, featured another round of cultural programmes celebrating the
talents of participating troupes.
Adding a
poignant touch to the closing ceremony was the final presentation of the
cultural programme, a farewell song titled Acham Khün, performed by the
Yimkhiung cultural troupe. This meaningful song from the Yimkhiung community
draws a parallel between the setting sun and the end of an event, symbolising a
time of closure.
The song
expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nagaland government for the invitation and
opportunity to be part of this milestone celebration. It extended appreciation
to the esteemed guests and attendees, particularly those who traveled from afar
to partake in the festivities.
As the
silver jubilee of the Hornbill Festival 2024 concluded, the song conveyed a
warm and emotional farewell, marking the beginning of the return journey for
participants and visitors.
The
Hornbill Festival 2024 stood as a vibrant hub for cultural fusion, bringing
together the rich tribal traditions of Nagaland and the Himalayan charm of
Sikkim.
The strong
collaboration between Nagaland and Sikkim set a benchmark for future cultural
events, showcasing the growing importance of inter-state partnerships in
promoting unity and mutual respect.
Closing
this milestone celebration on a high note, participants from both the States
hailed it as a resounding success as they departed with cherished memories and
a renewed sense of camaraderie.
