What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
KOHIMA: Nagaland is currently painting a vibrant picture on the global cultural canvas with the annual celebration of the Hornbill Festival. This grand event, often referred to as the Festival of Festivals, unfolds each year from December 1 to 10, uniting all ethnic groups in the state.
The Hornbill Festival 2023 kicked off with immense enthusiasm, drawing thousands of tourists from around the world to the enchanting Kisama village, where the heart of Naga culture beats. The New Indian team captured the sentiments of these global visitors, eager to immerse themselves in the rich cultural diversity of Nagaland.
“I have come all the way from England to explore the cultural tapestry of Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival is my gateway to understanding more about this fascinating region,” expressed Claire, a visitor from England.
Notably, the Hornbill Festival has gained international acclaim, with US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressing his fascination with the cultural extravaganza. Ambassador Garcetti, through a series of posts on the social media platform X, conveyed his admiration for the festival and the diverse Naga communities.
Dancing Scenes from #HornbillFestival2023
The New Indian team brings the ground report from a Sumi Camp from the Kisama village
@MyGovNagaland@TafmaNagaland@tourismgoi@dipr_nagaland@AlongImna
Reports: @nibirdeka pic.twitter.com/IqBDbPaIq3
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 2, 2023
“The Hornbill Festival is mesmerising. I’ve loved meeting so many people and learning about the different Naga communities they represent. I’m proud and honored that the United States is joining Germany as the partner nations for this year’s festival ,” Garcetti shared.
The participation of the US alongside Germany as a partner nation has injected an international flavour into the Hornbill Festival, fostering cultural exchange on a global scale.
Not limited to international attention, the festival is also narrowing the gap between regions within the country. Travellers from Southern India, setting up camp at Kisama village, underscored the festival’s unique role in dispelling preconceived notions about Nagaland.
Food festivities from #HornbillFestival2023
The New Indian team brings the ground report from a community kitchen where traditional Naga cooking methods have been on display
Food choices have been recommended to tourists visiting Nagaland @MyGovNagaland@TafmaNagaland… pic.twitter.com/dStR2aFWNe
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 2, 2023
“This is a unique culture that we are witnessing here. Even as Indians, we have not explored so much within our own country. I have taken leave from the office just to explore Nagaland this time,” shared a tech engineer from Bangalore.
Different tribes from Nagaland showcased their distinctive cultures at various stalls in the campsite. The New Indian team delved into camps representing tribes such as Angami, Rengma, Zeliang, Konyak, Lotha, and Sumi to offer a glimpse into their traditions.
Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, shared his perspective, stating that the successful showcase of Nagaland’s uniqueness and tribal culture has helped dispel apprehensions. “Every tribe has its own music and way of exhibiting it. The foreign delegates were also enjoying the programme. I congratulated CM Neiphiu Rio as well,” he remarked, emphasising the reduction of apprehensions linked to Nagaland, further boosting tourism.
A major highlight of the festivities revolves around food, with traditional kitchens showcasing the Naga way of cooking. The New Indian team sat with chefs illustrating the meticulous process of slow-cooking pork through smoke. “We have our own ways of cooking in Nagaland. Right now, we are cooking Axone Pork, the most popular delicacy in the state,” explained one of the chefs, recommending it to visitors as a must-try.
Exclusive Interview with Nagaland Governor La Ganesan on the sideslines of #HornbillFestival2023
The Governor @LaGanesan has shared the unique nature of Nagaland and share about peace and stability established in the state
@MyGovNagaland@TafmaNagaland@tourismgoi… pic.twitter.com/5Q8A6MSNiP
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) December 2, 2023
In his address, Nagaland Chief Minister and festival host Neiphiu Rio emphasised that the Hornbill Festival is the culmination of Nagaland’s tourism slogan “Land of Festivals,” representing the unity, diversity, and oneness of the Naga people while celebrating the Naga way of life.
He pointed out that all tribes and sub-tribes of the Naga people celebrate and commemorate dozens of festivals throughout the year, all of which culminates at the Hornbill Festival epitomising the unity, diversity, and oneness of these people and celebrating the Naga way of life.
