Hornbill Festival turns 25: Tourism dept. prepares for milestone event

KOHIMA — The department of Tourism held a coordination meeting on Wednesday to discuss preparations for the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, set to take place from December 1 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.

Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism, Dr. G Hukugha Sema, addressed the meeting, emphasising the significance of the silver jubilee event. He acknowledged the contributions of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, and expressed pride in the festival’s global impact.

The Hornbill Festival has showcased the land, traditions, culture, and way of life to the world, Dr. Sema stated, crediting the success of the festival to the cooperation and participation of tribal bodies and the Naga people.

Addressing the meeting, which saw the attendance of representatives from all the state’s tribal bodies, the official announced that all tourists attending the 25th edition of the festival would be welcomed as “honoured guests and guests of honour.” He urged the people of Nagaland to extend their best hospitality and ensure a memorable experience for visitors.

Preparations for the festival are being overseen by a ministerial-level committee headed by the Chief Minister. Mass social work initiatives are planned for the last week of October and the third week of November to clean and beautify areas from Dimapur to Kisama, he said, calling on all citizens to participate in these activities.

To enhance the festival experience, a master plan has been implemented to revamp the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, for which works are expected to conclude by Nov. 15. He also revealed plans to make Kisama a 24×7 destination in the coming years, with the support of tribal hohos.

Sustainable approach

Dr. Sema stressed the importance of authenticity and tradition in the tribal Morungs, urging the display of genuine artefacts and the serving of traditional food and drinks. He also called for a plastic-free festival, encouraging the use of eco-friendly products, including chairs and tables.

For waste management, he urged all tribal representatives to ensure that participants adopt bio- segregation and bio-waste management practices.

The meeting addressed concerns raised by tribal representatives, including the need for enhanced funding for morung maintenance, better coordination between departments, issue of car passes, improved facilities, and uninterrupted water and electricity supply.

In this connection, Executive Engineer of Tourism department, Vizotuo Seletsu acknowledged the issue of water scarcity and assured that it is working with other line departments to upgrade the water supply system. He also highlighted the department’s initiatives for waste management and sanitation, and said that each Morung, with the exception of those who already have permanent structures, would be provided with two toilets each.

While the department would provide the amenities, he stressed the need for public cooperation in addressing waste and sanitation issues.

Additional Director of Tourism, T Kakihe Sumi who led the meeting, informed that car passes would be issued according to availability. He also said that entry of cars, after the second gate, would be limited.

Separate morung for Eastern Sumis

Meanwhile, a representative from the Eastern Nagaland Public Organisation (ENPO) requested a separate morung for the Eastern Sumi tribe, which was recently included under the ENPO umbrella. He also emphasised the need for tribal unity and fair remuneration for participants from far-flung areas.

The ENPO representative also reiterated the demand for Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT), urging the state government to convey the message to the government of India. He requested the commissioner and secretary, who represents the government, to note the importance of addressing this demand to prevent unwanted situations and inconvenience.

The meeting was attended by representatives from Chakhesang, Rengma, Phom, Ao, Angami, Kachari, Kuki, Lotha, Sumi, Khiamniungan, Sangtam, Chang, Zeliang, Pochury, Tikhir, Eastern Sumi, Konyak and Yimkhiung communities.