Naga's grand Hornbill Festival begins

Kohima, Dec 1: Amidst sounding of the tradition horn and log drums, Nagaland's Hornbill Festival began today with colourful presentation at the picturesque Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

Assam and Nagaland Governor P B Acharya declared the 10-day long festival open in the presence of state Chief minister T R Zeliang and thousands of foreign and domestic tourists. "Nagaland is very rich in biodiversity, both flora and fauna... this biodiversity would ensure that tourism and investment would come to the state," he said.

The Festival aims to preserve, promote and protect the unique cultural diversity and rich traditions of Naga people, he said.

"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 said.

Sixteen major tribes of the state come together for the Hornbill festival, known as the 'Festival of Festivals'. 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.

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.

PTI