KOHIMA, (IPR): The Hornbill Festival 2024 at Kisama Heritage Village,
Nagaland is not just a celebration of Nagaland’s cultural diversity but also a
platform where partner States like Sikkim shine.
This year, in
celebrating the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, lovingly dubbed as the
"Festival of Festivals", Sikkim’s delegation has brought together a
diverse group of participants, including Self-Help Groups (SHGs), artisans, and
government representatives, who are actively showcasing the State’s rich
culture and initiatives.
The Tourism &
Civil Aviation department team led by Manoj Chettri, deputy director and
supported by TAAS members, is actively promoting Sikkim’s rural tourism and
eco-tourism ventures.
Partnering
closely with them, Temi Tea and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom
(DHH) are presenting Sikkim’s handcrafted products and tea culture, drawing
attention to the sustainable practices of the State.
The festival
also features the remarkable contributions of Millet Man, Tshering Gyatso
Lepcha, and Padmashree awardee, Jordan Lepcha, a bamboo craftsman whose work
epitomises Sikkim’s eco-friendly ethos.
Adding vibrancy
to the Sikkim pavilion are SHGs from across the State. Groups such as Jeewan
Jyoti, Himali, Saipatri, Nari Ajambari, and Goonkisi from Namthang, alongside
Lotus, Kagyu Tshokpa, Survo Kursong Mozum, and Snowdrop from Kabi, are
displaying handmade products, organic foods, and local crafts.
From Duga, SHGs
like Gurash, Jan Kalyan, and Ganga, as well as Anmol from Soreng, are
presenting their entrepreneurial initiatives, promoting women empowerment and
sustainable livelihoods.
The efforts of
the Sikkim delegation received a significant boost when Nagaland Chief Minister
Neiphiu Rio visited the Sikkim stalls today, featuring handloom and handicrafts
set up at the festival premises.
The Chief
Minister of Nagaland interacted with the participants, lauding their
contributions to the event. He was accompanied by Annapurna Alley, IPR secretary,
Government of Sikkim, and Yougan Tamang, press secretary to the Chief Minister
of Sikkim, whose presence further emphasised the State’s commitment to
showcasing its cultural heritage on a national platform.
Together, the
delegation has created a vibrant hub that reflects Sikkim’s traditions,
modernity, and eco-conscious values. Their active participation not only adds
to the festival’s multicultural essence but also strengthens the bond between
Nagaland and Sikkim, proving that unity in diversity is the heartbeat of India.
