KOHIMA, Dec 7 � James Angami last night made a history of sorts at the Hornbill Festival by chomping down eight super hot Naga chillies (Bhut Jolokia) at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, the venue of the chilli eating contest.
Sitting among four other contestants in the third batch out of the 11 contestants at the Naga Chilli Eating Competition organised by the Horticulture Department, James received a thunderous applause as the host of the event Theja Meru announced that he had polished off eight chillies to outsmart Vel�yi Phesa-o from Chakhesang tribe who managed five. H Pukhu from the Khiamniungan tribe and Lumsin, a Kuki, managed four each.
Hundreds of visitors and tourists, along with locals, national and foreign media, had their cameras on the ready to capture the eleven brave men eating the hottest chilli in the world as credited by the Guinness Book of World Record.
The Guinness Book of World Records has rated this chilli, the scientific name of which is Capsicum Frutescence, as the world�s hottest chilli in 2006. Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Yitachu inaugurated the competition held for the first time at the Hornbill Festival while Horticulture Director Joseph gave away the award carrying Rs 10,000 and a certificate to James Angami. Packaged Naga Chilli was also given to all the participants.