Asserting the much-anticipated annual Hornbill Festival 2023 would “never be the same”, the Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along on Friday said that this year the arrangement has been made to make the festival “more interesting and different.”
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the second consultative meeting for the forthcoming Hornbill Festival at Hotel Japfu here, Along invited tourists from all over the globe to witness the 10-day celebration of Nagaland’s diverse and vibrant culture. As next year’s Hornbill Festival would be 25th edition, he said the work has been in progress to give life time experience to the people.
Asked about the possibility of lesser footfall this year due to Manipur issue, Along said Nagaland was separate from Manipur and expressed regret on ongoing ethnic unrest. “We pray that peace would come as soon as possible, Manipur also has a great Festival in the form of Sangai Festival and due to all these issue that are going on people are unaware that Nagaland and Manipur are different but I think those things in due course of time, the tourist will come to know and we are ready to gather to all kind of tourists from all over the world who want to experience a tribal indigenous festival with a very broad based modern depiction at the Hornbill festival,” he said.
In his opening remarks, Along said Nagaland was known for insurgency but Hornbill Festival, which showcased the rich and diverse culture of the Nagas, has presented different picture to the world and has garnered immense appreciation.
He, therefore, said participation of the leaders of the elected members was important for the success of Hornbill Festival 2023. “Since the chief ministers has entrusted upon all of them, they should take Nagaland to a better standing through the hornbill festival,” he said.
Describing Hornbill as a uniting factor for the people, Along said that since its inception in 2000, the festival has bought tremendous changes.
He further said that state government should curate with all the departments and tribe as everyone was stakeholder and for successful conduct of the festival, coordination and unity of stakeholders was needed.
The minister appreciated the biodegradable bags to be provided by IDAN for use in hornbill festival.
Informing that for the first time the Tourism department would be providing giving Grand-in-Aid, the minister said that the government through Hornbill Festival was assisting the people to earn a little income.
Further, the minister informed the people to take care of government property and suggested the association and departments to organise clean Kohima campaign. At the meeting, proposals and issues presented by various departments were deliberated.
Among the proposals, agriculture department shared their concerns on inclusion of millet festival.
On the exorbitant rates of the taxi during the festival, Kevipodi Sophie, MLA, assured to look into the matter. ICAR Medziphema sought a space to display Mithun and showcase Mithun made products.