Nagaland Gears Up for the Hornbill Festival 2022

KOHIMA: The 10-day mega celebration of Nagaland is all set to begin this Thursday, December 1. A discussion regarding the events took place between the government and participants on Monday.

Created with the collaboration between the Government of India and the Government of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival is one of the most important events of not only the state of Nagaland but the entire Northeast Region. It was initially created to encourage friendship and brotherhood between different tribes of the state. And now it has grown into one of the most important tourism events in the country.

All major tribes of the state come to the venue during the days of the festival, which is fixed as December 1- 10 every year. They showcase their traditional music, dance, dresses and culture. They also showcase and sell their traditional food and drinks in the festival venue. Thus making it the perfect time to visit the state. Apart from these, horticulture exhibitions and competitions are also organised during the event.

Last year's event saw a huge number of tourists from all across the country and even abroad, It was the first major event after the Covid-related restrictions were lifted in India. But the event had to be closed halfway through due to the violence in the Mon district on the eastern side of the state of Nagaland. While the rest of the public as well as guests were enjoying the festivities in Kisama Heritage Village, Indian Army personnel killed several villagers in the Oting region of the state.

Although no tourist was directly harmed due to the incident, several secondary problems were reported. Many tourists were stuck in their hotels and campsites as local organisations called for a bandh. This incident harmed the entire tourism sector of the state for the year and by organising this year's event without any hiccups, the state wants to regain its tourists.

'A meeting of the State Cabinet was held at Naga Heritage Village Kisama at 10:00 AM on 28th November 2022. Among other things, agenda regarding participation of cultural troupes from districts of Eastern Nagaland was also discussed,'' the Nagaland Government's official Twitter handle mentioned. The chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio was also present for this meeting.

Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation had mentioned that six of the major tribes of the state will boycott this year's celebration over separate statehood issues. However, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has invited the representatives of the organisation for a meeting towards the end of the week.

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