Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Curtains down on Hornbill Fest 2010

By Correspondent

KOHIMA, Dec 8 � Curtains came down on the 11th National Hornbill Festival on Tuesday night with a colourful Unity dance at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama. An atmosphere of oneness prevailed as tourists, locals and dignitaries mingled and danced to Naga tunes around a blazing bonfire.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, who was the chief guest at the closing function, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Meghalaya Education and Tourism Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Yitachu handed out citations, awards and Christmas cakes to the leaders of 16 cultural groups, while the Kachari tribe received the cleanest Morung award for the year.

Dr Sangma, while interacting with the local press, appreciated the initiatives of the Government of Nagaland towards promoting and preserving the Naga tradition and culture through the Hornbill Festival. He said such an event not only gives scope to bring together the different tribes but also helps in spreading the message of peace and harmony in the society, besides promoting the State as a tourist destination.

Lauding the performances of the cultural troupes, he said time has come for the Northeastern States to integrate their tradition and culture into one package, which will help the region in becoming the biggest tourist destination in the country.

He said the North East not only has a vibrant tradition and culture but also has several natural tourist destinations and if everything is blended together then tourists from all over the world will be attracted to the region.

He further stated that he would be requesting his counterparts to make North East an integrated tourist sector, adding that the time has come to explore the potentials towards promoting tourism.

Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Yitachu, summing up the seven-day mega event, said everything had gone smoothly this year. The turnout of visitors, both local and foreign, has increased manifold. He claimed that the objective of the State Government to make Nagaland a cultural destination through the Hornbill Festival has been achieved to a great extent, though maintaining that there is still a long way to go.

The added attractions of this year�s festival was the Naga Chilli Eating Competition, Archery, bamboo climbing and World War-II Vintage Car Peace Rally, etc. The motto of the State Government, which is �Unity�, has also been displayed through the 480 artists from the Naga tribes performing together.

Yitachu was hopeful that it would send a message to tourists within the country and abroad that Nagaland is a safe and peaceful destination with the promise of a better Hornbill Festival in 2011.

Next Story