In Nagaland, the stage is all set to celebrate the biggest cultural extravaganza of the state, the Hornbill festival which is known as the Festival of Festivals starting from today. The Hornbill Festival also coincides with the statehood day and this is the 22nd Edition. The 10-day festival will witness the glimpses of the Naga culture, traditional and contemporary, in the spirit of unity in diversity. The grand opening ceremony will begin at 4 P.M. at the Naga Heritage village Kisama, around 12 kilometres away from the state capital Kohima.
Governor of Assam and Nagaland Prof. Jagdish Mukhi will be the Chief Guest of the opening ceremony while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the Chief host and Adviser of Tourism, Art and Culture H. Khehovi Yeputhomi as the Festival host. Ambassador of Israel to India Mr. Naor Gilon, United States Consul General Ms. Melinda Pavek and Consul General of Germany Mr. Manfred will be the guests of Honour.
Last year, the event was held virtually in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, keeping in view of the pandemic, several COVID SOPs have been put in place for travellers or tourists. The State Government has made mandatory for the tourist to undergo COVID-19 screening test at the strategic points of entry.
AIR correspondent reports the land of Festivals ‘Nagaland’ is all set to welcome the people from across the country and abroad to the most renowned cultural extravaganza-the Hornbill Festival- Festival of Festivals- showcasing the glimpses of the Naga culture, traditional and contemporary, in one roof at Naga heritage village Kisama.The grand opening ceremony will begin this evening at the Naga Heritage village Kisama, around 12 km away from the state capital Kohima. Governor of Assam and Nagaland Prof. Jagdish Mukhi will be the Chief Guest of the opening ceremony, while Chief Minister Mr Neiphiu Rio will be the Chief host and Advisor of Tourism, Art and Culture, Mr. H. Khehovi Yeputhomi as the Festival host. Ambassador of Israel to India Mr. Naor Gilon, United States Consul General Ms. Melinda Pavek and Consul General of Germany Mr. Manfred will be the guests of Honour. Last year, the event was held virtually in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, keeping in view of the emerging new COVID variantpandemic, several COVID SOPs are put in place for travellers or tourists. The state government has made mandatory for the tourist to undergo COVID-19 screening test at the strategic points of entry and only fully vaccinated persons are allowed at the venue. Besides, a COVID -19 stall with all medical facility will be made available at the Kisama site.
In addition, Hand washing point with soaps and water will be made available in all strategic points of the venue, continued messaging on Covid -19 vaccination, use of mask and other safety measures through announcements and IEC platforms. Meanwhile, the North East Services of All India Radio, Shillong will bring live broadcast of the Opening Ceremony from 4.00PM onward. The Programme will be relayed in all respective channels of North East Region including FM Trogopan of All India Radio.
