During more than a decade when the duration of the Hornbill Festival was extended from one day to three, to five, then seven and presently to ten days( as per popular demand) and in the face of criticisms that it not only threw the functioning of the government out of gear and people becoming less enthusiastic and mentally and physically taxing, Nagaland chief minister suggested that it could be reduced to two or three days.
Zeliang said this while speaking as chief guest on the sixth day of the ongoing celebration at Kisama Heritage Village Sunday.
He said the proposal to reduce the duration came since there were constraints of accommodation and transportation during the celebrations.
Zeliang solicited opinions on whether all tribal festivals could be held every month throughout the year in Kisama and whether each tribe should celebrate its festival for two or three days at the venue. He said the suggestion was aimed at facilitating tourist inflow throughout the year and also to ease transportation, traffic and accommodation problems.
The chief minister solicited suggestions by email or WhatsApp at Tourism or CM’s website so that, the government could decide on taking the next step.
Zeliang also assured, that the state government could financially assist celebration of all Naga tribal festivals and also facilitate tourists visiting the state during such tribal festivals.
He also congratulated the departments of Tourism and Art & Culture for successfully conducting the festival for the sixth day where cultural troupes and participants manifested the rich Naga cultural heritage to the country for dissemination beyond.
Referring to the Naga Unity Dance, the chief minister felt that it should also manifest the real unity among Nagas, as it was key for solution of the Naga political problem in order to realize the yearning for a permanent peace in the state.
He also thanked the French Consul General for representing his country by visiting the state and also for partnering with the government to develop the state.
He also conveyed regrets expressed by union minister HRD Smriti Irani for not being able to attend the festival owing to ill health.
Damien Syed Consul General France, Kolkota, in his address, thanked the state government for the warm welcome accorded to him at the unique occasion, to discover the rich heritage of the Naga culture and traditions, identity of the tribes. He also congratulated the organizers and cultural troupes of various tribes for the colorful performances.
Syed said it was vital for him to visit Nagaland because France was keen to develop the state and to reinforce relations between France and Nagaland .
He said Nagaland and France would partner and work together, especially in urban development, transport and implement projects with French expertise.
The Consul General also expressed keenness to work on energy, solar and hydro energy “which has interesting possibilities”, environment and agriculture on teak farming. He said there were French companies having interest to work on selected areas and expressed willingness to harness these potentials .
On the sixth day, the festival also witnessed indigenous games and Culturally Yours, Unity Dance etc.
In the greased bamboo pole climbing competition, Rhothungo Lotha emerged as champion while Langhoi Khiamungan and Zehotso Chakhesang came second and third place respectively.