Guwahati: The iconic Hornbill festival, held annually in the state of Nagaland towards the end of the year, has now partnered up with the V-Rox festival from Vlasdivosk in Russia.
"We are happy to announce that on this day, the 3rd of August, 2020, that V-Rox festival in Vladivostok, Russia, and Hornbill Music festival, Nagaland, India agree to be festival partners and we shall explore avenues and platforms for the exchange of music, art, and culture, between the two festivals and countries in the days and years ahead", the festivals wrote in a joint statement.
"I am happy to know that V-Rox Festival - Vladivostok, Russia and Hornbill Music Festival Nagaland, India, will be festival partners. Congratulations and I hope the collaboration will foster bilateral interest in music, art, and culture and will be enriching for both the countries", Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio announced in a tweet.
This has come at a time when uncertainty has plagued the premier festival in Nagaland owing to the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the rise in the number of cases as well as deaths, there is still uncertainty over whether the festival will be held this year or not. [Also Read: Top 10 Nagaland Food with Recipe : Healthy & Unique in Taste]
In all likelihood, we are likely to witness a "toned down" Hornbill this year, with some of the more "crowd-centric" activities giving way to more "personal" and traditional activities.
Thousands of people visit Nagaland each year to take part in the festival that is held at various locales across the state that becomes quite crowded due to the influx of tourists from all parts of the globe. However, it is very unlikely that a similar rush will be witnessed this year due to the ongoing pandemic situation.
The brainchild of local rock star Ilya Lagutenko of the famous Russian band Mumiy Troll, the V-Rox is a massive rock festival that is held annually in the Russian Far East. Held in mid-August, the four-day fest features some 70 different concerts around town (including in open-air venues), with performers from all over the world.