‘A PURELY INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL’

December 4, 2024 8 Views No Comment

Union Minister for Tourism Shekhawat confident Hornbill Festival will become the largest tribal festival worldwide

Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 4

Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday remarked that the Hornbill Festival has evolved into “a purely international festival.”

Speaking to the media after participating in the Tikhir log drum pulling ceremony at the Naga Heritage Village on the 3rd day of the 25th Hornbill Festival celebration in Kisama, Shekhawat expressed his admiration for the festival’s growth. “This is a wonderful year as we celebrate the 25th Hornbill Festival, which has become an identity in itself, often referred to as the ‘Festival of Festivals’,” he said.

The Union Minister noted the unique fusion of Nagaland’s diverse tribal cultures and global music and traditions at the event. “All the tribes of Nagaland are coming together, showcasing their rich culture alongside different music and culture from across the world,” he stated.

Shekhawat praised the efforts of the Tourism and Higher Education Minister, Temjen Imna Along for organising the festival in a beautiful manner and creating this festival as a “Festival of Festivals” all across the world.

He acknowledged the significant role played by the state government in elevating the Hornbill Festival to a world-renowned cultural event. “This festival is now being celebrated globally, and people from all around the world are here to witness it. I am confident that the Hornbill Festival will be recognized as the largest tribal festival worldwide,” he said.

The Union Minister also highlighted the festival’s growing importance in promoting tourism in Nagaland and the Northeast. “The tourism potential of Nagaland and the North Eastern states will only increase in the coming years thanks to events like this,” he remarked.

Shekhawat extended his best wishes for the continued success of the festival and thanked the Government of Nagaland for their tireless efforts in making the 25th Hornbill Festival a resounding success.

On the third day of the festival, a total of 16,087 visitors attended the event, including 317 foreign tourists, 4,041 domestic tourists, and 11,729 local visitors from Nagaland.