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RN Ravi addresses the opening programme of the 20th edition Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Vilkage Kisama, in Kohima on Sunday. (Caisii Mao/EM Images)[/caption]
Our Correspondent
Kisama, Dec. 1 (EMN): To a soundtrack of assorted Naga folk songs and the thumping beats of log-drums, the 20th edition of Hornbill Festival began on Sunday evening at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama, in Kohima district.
To add to the fusion of acoustics (as well as the visual treat), four Sukhoi Su-30 aircrafts flew over Kisama, drawing excited reactions from the crowd.
Governor RN Ravi, speaking as the chief host of the festival, said that Hornbill Festival is a testament to the richness of Naga culture, and appreciated the rich Naga cultural heritage.
According to him, nothing could be more befitting than to celebrate Naga culture ‘in this manner’.
Ravi praised the rich cultural heritage of Naga tribes and underscored the need to correct certain “uncharitable distortions to Naga history by some colonial administrators”.
He wondered how Naga tribes—with their centuries old village republics that efficiently managed their social, economic, political and strategic needs for so long—could be called “behind in civilisation”.
Stating that some people erroneously equate civilisation with modernity, the governor urged scholars, especially Nagas, to “do deep dive researches into the rich civilisational history of tribes of Nagaland”.
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A Zeliang cultural troupe performs a folk song on the opening day. (Caisii Mao/EM Images)[/caption]
He wished the best to the cultural troupes who will be performing throughout the ten-day long festival and encouraged the tourists to go back with ‘memorable experiences’.
Repeating his assertion on the eve of Statehood Day, Ravi urged the citizens of the state to help the government build a new Nagaland free from fear, and based on the foundations of ‘transparency, accountability and rule of law’.
He reiterated that a ‘new dawn is breaking for Nagaland’.
The governor challenged the citizens of the state to strengthen the spirit of unity so palpable during the Hornbill Festival, even more so ‘at this crucial juncture when the final settlement that would ensure enduring peace is within the grasp’.
Ravi paid homage to the Naga leaders who, he said, “under extremely challenging circumstances had secured for the people, the Nagaland state with special status (Article-371(A)” with their extraordinary courage, political vision and strategic foresight.
Saying that history has not been kind to those who have ignored or forgotten their ‘heroes and martyrs’, the governor asked the people to remember those leaders who were instrumental in attaining statehood for Nagaland.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is the host of the festival, rang the gong to signal the official opening of the festival.
A traditional blessing was pronounced by a Naga elder named Mongtei from the Khiamniungan community. He asked for blessing upon the Naga people so that they may flourish, live in peace, unity and prosperity.
The total number of visitors on the first day was 45,142—407 foreign and 4,954 domestic.
https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/hornbill-festivities-commence-with-fanfare-and-variety/