10 days long historic Naga festival 25th Hornbill begins

Kohima: The ten-day long 25th Hornbill Festival 2024 made a colourful start today at Naga Heritage Village Kisama. Addressing the mammoth gathering, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan said that this vibrant festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and its diverse tribes.

“This festival, lovingly dubbed the “Festival of Festivals,” is a presentation of our tradition, a symbol of our unity and a testament to the diversity of mother India,” he said.

“As we complete 25 years of this festival, it is a moment to reflect on what we have achieved. It is also a moment to celebrate our unity in diversity and march to a harmonious future enriched by mutual respect and understanding,” he added.

To the guests who have travelled from across the globe and own countrymen from other states of India,  Ganesan said, “Your presence here signals a bridge across cultures, continents, and hearts. It is through these shared experiences that we foster a deeper understanding and celebrate our richness and diversity.”

He also expressed hope that in the days ahead, the focus would not only be on enjoying the dances, music, and arts but also on engaging in meaningful dialogues that honour traditions and foster fraternity.

The Hornbill Festival, the Governor underscored, is a space where the ancient and contemporary, local and global meet and create something magnificent.

“May this festival not only entertain but also enrich, connect, and inspire us all to appreciate and preserve the marvels of our history and traditions,” he added.

Ganesan also called for opening one’s hearts as well to new friendships and everlasting bonds as the festivities begins.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended a special welcome to Partner Countries—the United States, Peru, Japan, and Wales from the United Kingdom—and to  Partner States, Telangana and Sikkim.

“Today, we proudly celebrate the 25th Edition of the legendary Hornbill Festival, which embodies the spirit of the Naga way of life,” he said.

“This festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of our people, preserving the legacy of our forefathers from time immemorial. It brings together all tribes and communities under a spirit of unity and oneness” he added.

Over the years, Rio said, this celebration has transcended borders, bringing together nations from four continents to collaborate for the greater good of humanity.

The success of this globally recognised event over the past 25 years is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of the Naga people, he stressed, adding, “Each citizen is a stakeholder in this remarkable journey, and the triumph of the Hornbill Festival belongs to all of us.”

Appreciating the guests for travelling to this far corner of India, Rio expressed hope that they experience the warmth of Naga hospitality and encouraged them to immerse themselves in Nagaland’s rich culture and return as ambassadors.

“We encourage you to return with more friends, family, and loved ones to witness all that Nagaland has to offer, he added.

The honoured guests at the inaugural function includes: Keiichi Ono, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to India;Xavier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of the Republic of Peru to India; Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India;  Dr  AR Rahman, Padma Bhushan, Grammy & Oscar winner; Alison Barrett, Country Director, India, British Council Division and Minister Educational  and Cultural Affairs;  Andrew Gwatkin, Director of International Relations & Trade, Welsh Government; Jorgan Andrews, Deputy Chief of Mission, United States Embassy; and Dr Y Kiran Kumar, Chairman, Suchirindia Group of Companies & Suchirindia Foundation and Honourary Consulate of the Republic of Bulgaria.

Earlier, Medo-o Keretsii, Head GB Kohima Village pronounced traditional blessings while Nagaland’s tourism and higher education minister Temjen Imna Along proposed vote of thanks.

The festival will continue till December 10.

First day  draws 23,910 visitors
The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival kicked off on Sunday drawing 23,910 visitors on its first day, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama.
According to data provided by the Directorate of Tourism Nagaland, the figure included 513 foreign tourists, 5,486 domestic tourists, and 17,911 local visitors from Nagaland.
The silver jubilee celebration of the 10-day Hornbill Festival 2024 was officially inagurated by the Nagaland Governor on December 1.