With much pomp and gaiety, the two-day 17th Bishu Mini Hornbill Tribal Festival commenced Saturday at Government High School Playground, Dhansiripar, Chümoukedima. Bishu festival celebration, the post-harvest festival celebrated by Dimasa Kacharis, organised by the Dimasa Public Organization Nagaland (DPON) and the Department of Tourism, government Nagaland, was declared open by advisor of Prisons, Printing and Stationery, Er Kropol Vitsu as special guest.
Extending Bishu greetings, Er. Kropol described Nagaland as a diverse state with distinct and fascinating cultures, and encouraged every community of the state to promote and preserve their respective traditional and cultural practices.
Commending the rich culture and traditions of the Dimasa Kacharis, he said the culture and traditions were as significant as those of other tribes of the state. He asserted that festivals celebrating these diversities unites the people of the state.
Speaking on the significance of annual Hornbill Festival, Er. Kropol said the festival’s objective was to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote the cultural heritage of the state. He said the festival, one of the biggest and most popular, showcases the unique culture and traditional ways of the people of Nagaland.
Lamenting that in the past the tribals were not equipped to document their traditional and cultural practices, Er. Kropol said, with the advancement of technology, communities were well equipped to preserve and promote their rich culture and traditions. He encouraged the people to continue to promote and preserve their culture and traditions.
Guest of honour, Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) former president and social worker, Savi Liegise while extending Bishu greetings also underscored the importance of preserving and practising own culture.
He said culture gives a person his/her identity and sense of belonging within a society. He also encouraged the gathering to be “culturally aware” in order to acknowledge their heritage.
“Understanding your history can help build your personal growth and well-being, and helps to connect us with each other,” Savi said.
The inaugural programme began with “Bishu prayer” by Dimasa GBs Union Nagaland (DGBUN) vice president, Debolal Jigdung, welcome address was delivered by DPON, president Ditush Naben, Bishu greetings was delivered by Kachari Tribal Council Nagaland (KTCN) vice president, Sukhonlal Langthasa and word of gratitude by DPON vice president, Robert Khemprai.
Other highlights of the celebration included a brief presentation on Bishu festival celebration and cultural presentations by Dhansiripar cultural troupe and Gorkha cultural troupe. Various stalls were also set up displaying the indigenous food item and traditional attires.
The second day of the festival on January 28 would be graced by minister of Tourism, Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along and minister of Power Sports and Tribal Affairs and Culture, government of Assam, Nandita Gorlosa as special guests, and advisor of Industries and Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu as the guest of honour.