Assam and Nagaland Governor PB Acharya has declared Nagaland's Hornbill Festival open at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, amid traditional horn and drums.
Declaring the 10-day long festival open, Acharya said that the rich diversity of Nagaland would ensure that tourism and investment would come to the State.
Emphasising on harmony amongst tribes and communities of Nagaland, the Governor said that social cohesion and economic well-being are keys to state's well being.
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"Nagaland is very rich in biodiversity, both flora and fauna... This biodiversity would ensure that tourism and investment would come to the state," Acharya said.
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He said the Festival aims to preserve, promote and protect the unique cultural diversity and rich traditions of Naga people.
"We have to ensure that we live in harmony with one another, have unity cutting across tribes and communities..We have endured many hardships, and today the overwhelming majority of Nagas feel that social cohesion, harmony amongst tribes and communities and economic well-being is more important to us," he added.
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Sixteen major tribes of the state come together for the Hornbill festival, known as the 'Festival of Festivals'.
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Chief Minister T R Zeliang in his address said that taking up the fight against global warming and climate change, the government has decided to make this festival eco-friendly and therefore has enforced use of bio-degradable materials for all purposes.
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Both the Governor and the Chief minister also extended wishes of peaceful and joyous festival to the people of the state while also calling upon the tourists and visitors to experience the warm hospitality of the Naga people while also realising that Nagaland is peaceful and vibrant.
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Naga Heritage Village, Kisama is about 12 km in the Southern Angami region above Kohima-Imphal road. The inaugural function was marked with a traditional blessing by Angh (Chief) of Longching Village under Mon district, Y Phonlong.
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The artists from Dreamz Unlimited gave a glimpse of the tradition and culture of Naga people besides dramatising the 11 districts of the state occupied by the respective tribes. The 10-day event will not also showcase the rich culture and tradition of the Naga people but also the folk songs and dances of the eight North Eastern sister states.
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Besides Kisama, the capital town also glows up with the 10-day night carnival under the aegis of Kohima Chamber of Commerce and Industries while on the northern side at IG Stadium, State Music Task Force will be holding Hornbill Music Festival, which will be also have performances from Internal bandhs like Arrival, a Tribute band of ABBA from Sweden on December 2 and German power metal band Helloween on December 7.The Hornbill International Rock Contest with a total of 24 bands will be held from December 3 to 6.