President of India, Ram Nath Kovind has arrived in Kohima to inaugurate the 10-day Hornbill Festival and the 54th Statehood Day on December 1 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Kovind was received by Nagaland governor, P.B. Acharya and chief minister, T.R. Zeliang accompanied by a host of legislators and officials at the helipad. The President was also accorded with the guard of honour by the Assam Rifles.
As the festival day drew closer, hectic preparations were seen at the venue with tribal hohos giving facelifts to their respective Morungs, and the entrepreneurs setting up their various exhibition stalls.
Along with the festival, Kohima town was also compensated with at least some improvement of the roads – where the potholes were filled, while the road from Kohima to Kisama was also widened and lightly black-topped and huge pillars erected along the road to welcome the President. Later, Nagaland chief minister, T.R. Zeliang along with his cabinet colleagues and other NGOs called on the President, who is staying at Raj Bhavan.
The President met members of the Naga Hoho, NSF, ENSF, NMA and CNTC.
On December 1, the chief guest of the Hornbill Festival, President, Ram Nath Kovind will be accompanied by the chief host— Governor, P.B Acharya and host– chief minister, T.R. Zeliang.
G. Rio School, Kohima, will open the inaugural function with the National Anthem, followed by a prayer by state Chaplin, Rev. Kuzierang Thou.
Handel’s Messiah will present the “Halleluiah Chorus” and Head G.B Tuensang Village, L. Sangkumwongto Chang Naga, will deliver traditional blessings while Enculturation will be performed by Sky entertainment.
The President will also visit the Morungs and exhibition Halls which will be followed by a state lunch hosted by chief minister T.R Zeliang.