Hornbill Festival reflects traditional and modern face of Nagaland

Kohima – In an endeavor to promote tourism and preserve the socio-cultural heritage of the Nagas, Kohima played host to the 14th Hornbill Festival of Nagaland recently.

During the festival, 16 tribes of Nagaland presented their food, folk dances, music and other arts.

The annual festival is celebrated to pay tribute to the hornbill, the most revered bird of the Nagas. It also encourages inter-tribal interaction and promotes the cultural heritage of Nagaland.

“On one platform we are able to showcase to the world what we are about. I am very happy that we are able to show our strength that is unity and diversity. I am so proud to be Naga and India. Through this festival we are able to showcase our rich culture and tradition,” Nise Merino, a visitor.

“ It’s all about festival and through this festival we get an opportunity to bring all the Naga tribes and other community from outside. We get chance to interact one another. It’s a platform to showcase our food, culture to people,” added Mercy, another visitor.

The aim of this year’s festival was also to promote entrepreneurship and attract investment to the state. Domestic and foreign tourists were thrilled to get a feel of the rich Naga culture.

“It’s a good festival that all the Naga tribes bring together here and showcase their rich culture and tradition. They perform the different tribes of songs and dances in the competition so it’s amazing,” said Ben Doherty, a tourist from Australia

“For me, it was a great experience. All the Naga tribes come together here and meet one another so I am having good time and I am enjoying a lot. Such festival should be encouraged,” added Chekrovolu, archer from Nagaland

As a part of the festival, the Miss Nagaland contest was also held which witnessed the participation of 18 contestants representing every district of the state. Models walked down the ramp in different colourful outfits.

Benjongmela Jamir received the coveted title of Miss Nagaland 2013.

“It feels amazing. I am very happy. It is just like my dream has come true,” said Jamir.

The Hornbill festival is a fruition of the vision to showcase a different image of Nagaland to the outside world.  Such events provide a good platform for the youth of the region to showcase their talent.