KOHIMA,: The
highly anticipated Hornbill Festival 2024 kicked off Sunday evening at Kisama
Heritage Village in Kohima, Nagaland. The festival, which is in its 25th
year, will run until December 10.
The welcome address was delivered by Nagaland Chief
Minister Neiphiu Rio, who warmly welcomed all attendees to the “Land of
Festivals” and the “Festival of Festivals.”
The Chief Minister acknowledged the contributions of
State partner governments, including Telangana and Sikkim, as well as global
partners from Japan, Peru, the United States, Wales and the United Kingdom. He
highlighted the significance of the Hornbill Festival, which showcases
Nagaland's rich cultural heritage and brings together people from diverse
tribes and communities in a spirit of unity.
Rio praised the resilience, creativity, and unity of
the Naga people, whose efforts have made the festival a globally recognized
event over the past 25 years. He invited all guests to immerse themselves in
Nagaland’s vibrant culture and return as ambassadors to share their experiences
with others.
Nagaland Governor LA Ganesan, in his address,
emphasized the festival’s importance as a celebration of Nagaland's diverse
tribes and cultural unity. He said that the 25th edition of the Hornbill
Festival is a moment to reflect on the achievements of the past and celebrate
India's unity in diversity.
The Governor thanked the global and national guests
for their presence and emphasized that the festival provides an opportunity to
foster deeper cultural understanding through shared experiences.
During the inaugural ceremony, Nagaland’s tourism
department felicitated several distinguished guests including Keiichi Ono,
Ambassador of Japan to India; Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of
Peru to India, and Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India. Other
honorees included musician A.R. Rahman, Alison Barrett, country director of the
British Council, and various representatives from international organizations.
At the festival this year, Sikkim has set up various
traditional food and handicraft stalls besides highlighting the rich cultural
heritage of Sikkim.
