‘People’s Festival’ gets underway in Khezhakeno

Our Correspondent
Khezhakeno, Dec. 3 (EMN): The 5th edition of ‘People’s Festival,’ an extended Hornbill Festival, got underway at Chida Resort in Khezhakeno village, Phek district. The event is being organised by the Khezhakeno Youth Organisation (KYO), in collaboration with the department of Tourism, government of Nagaland.

The inaugural programme was held at Tepfulomi Tazao with the additional director of the Tourism department, Vieyielo Doulo, as guest speaker.

In his address, Doulo said Khezhakeno, being a historical place and a migration point of the Nagas, is a place of significance. He has suggested the village to allot a plot of land each to all the Naga tribes to construct their Morungs to enable the real Hornbill Festival to happen and a “homecoming” for all tribes of the Nagas.

He told the villagers to be prepared to welcome and receive tourists with good attitudes and also shared on how to build friendly tourism in the village. He stated that boosting the tourism activities in the village would be an opportunity for economic generation and development.

The official also expounded the need to love nature, flora and fauna and stressed on the need for preservation and conservation of nature. He further stated that tourism is not only about culture. According to him, there are many types of tourists who have different interests to study orchids, watch butterflies, birds, and beetles.

The village council chairman of Khezhakeno, D Lhouchinyi, delivered a short speech on the occasion.

President of Khezhakeno Youth Organisation (KYO), Lhouvetso Pfüno, has stressed on the need for preservation of one’s own language and culture.

The programme was chaired by Medovelo Sono, while folk dance was presented by a cultural troupe from Khezhakeno. Display of traditional games and activities were the other highlights of the celebration.