Nagaland Hornbill Festival to kick off on December 1

The Nagaland Tourism department along with other allied departments and tribal organisations of the state is gearing for the ten-day long Hornbill Festival from December 1 at the Naga heritage village, Kisama, some 12 kms from here.
Organised by the State Tourism and Art and Culture Departments, Hornbill Festival showcases a melange of cultural displays under one roof with an aim to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.
Besides the cultural display at Kisama, Kohima also enjoys ten days of night carnival at Indira Stadium.
The Hornbill festival is a collaborative celebration and coming together of all Naga tribes because of which it is known as the 'festival of festivals', said Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, C Apok Jamir, while addressing a press conference here today.

Asked about the revenue generated by the state government through the Hornbill Festival, Jamir said the government was only creating a platform for local entrepreneurs to make a decent earning with the visit of domestic and foreign tourists.
Jamir revealed that Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal would be a guest on the third day of the festival, which would be marked by Traditional Naga Stone pulling ceremony to be participated by around 6,000 Angami Nagas attired in complete traditional dress.

Various dignitaries including MPs and foreign dignitaries would be guests through the festival, he said.
He said last year the overall turn out in Kisama alone was over two lakh during the ten days, besides the visitors for Night Carnival and Music Festival, while this year it was expected to be more.

Visitors can enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, local food fairs, games and ceremonies, besides traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings and sculptures throughout the festival.
State Tourism Secretary Angau I Thou said the Naga culture and Hornbill festival have become a national festival and a unique platform for tourists to witness the cultural diversity of the Naga people in its entirety at one venue.
Meanwhile, Project Director of Music Task Force, Gugs Chishi revealed that 20 bands, including 16 from other parts of the country, would take part in the International Hornbill Rock Contest from December 5.
He also said in order to reach out to music lovers, the first day of Hornbill Music Festival this year would be held in Dimapur with Bollywood singers KK and Kailash Kher at DDSC stadium Dimapur.