DIMAPUR — A three-day 3rd edition of Autumn Festival, a prelude to the 25th Hornbill Festival, got underway at Nagaland House, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi, on October 18.
Nagaland minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, was the chief host of the inaugural programme.
A DIPR report stated that Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Social Justice and Empowerment, BL Verma, attended the inaugural function as the chief guest, while Mugdha Sinha, director general of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru in India, were the honoured guests.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Along stated that Autumn Festival is a countdown to the Hornbill Festival. He has invited those present to be a part of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival, which would be celebrated from December 1 to the 10th at Naga Heritage Village-Kisama.
He stated that Hornbill Festival is not just about celebrations but go beyond in building bond, trust, faith and affection of the Nagas. He thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Country Partner, Peru, for partnering with the state during the Hornbill Festival, stated a DIPR report.
The director general of Ministry of Tourism, Mugdha Sinha, has commended Naga’s persistence and continuity in managing to reach the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival. She also lauded the state for promoting sustainability through the festival by nurturing the coming together of nature and culture, which she added, is something to be admired and learnt from by other states.
She further thanked the state government and the community for educating and sharing their cuisines, music and textiles with people from outside the state.
Dr. G Hukugha Sema, commissioner and secretary of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, delivered the welcome address.
The report stated that guests were treated to a cultural extravaganza which included song performance by Ao Naga choir, cultural song by Ao students, fashion show on traditional Naga wear by Kitem and traditional Naga wrestling match.
The DGP Band also performed at the programme.
The Autumn Festival would culminate on October 20.