State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, congratulated the people of Nagaland on the successful conduct of the 24th edition of the Hornbill Festival. In a communiqué to minister for tourism and higher education Temjen Imna Along, Rio said the Hornbill Festival has always been a celebration of cultures, traditions, and the vibrant spirit of Nagaland.
He said that the attention to detail, the diverse range of activities and performances, and the seamless integration of various elements showcased the rich tapestry of Nagaland’s heritage. Rio asserted that the festival not only provided a platform for cultural exchange but also contributed significantly to the socio-economic growth of the region. He said that the positive impact it had on the local communities, businesses, and tourism sector was commendable.
Rio said the “Festival of Festivals” has not just become an annual event but a beacon of unity, promoting harmony and understanding among people from different walks of life. He commended the contributions and sacrifices of all, the cultural troupes and artists for their unwavering dedication and hard work in making Hornbill Festival 2023 a resounding success.
He expressed gratitude to the thousands of tourists– international, domestic and local– who visited the dozens of festival venues and events and added to the success story. Rio expressed hope that they would become true ambassadors of Nagaland and the Nagas. He also hoped that the tourists would forgive if they had faced any shortfalls during their visit.
Further, the chief minister complimented every organization, group and individual who made positive contributions towards the success of the festival. Rio conveyed appreciation of the state government to all the government agencies, tribal organizations, NGOs, civil societies and church organisations, event management groups and participants who positively contributed towards the grand success of the Hornbill Festival 2023.
Rio congratulated and thanked the people of Nagaland for positively partnering with the state government in the collective endeavour to promote and develop Nagaland towards a better future.