THE HORNBILL FESTIVAL (2016)

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The state of Nagaland is home to several tribes, which have their own distinct festivals. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve around agriculture. The Nagas consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is essential.

Organised by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof. This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year in Kohima.

Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions. For visitors, it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland.




 

This year the Festival to spread over Dimapur, Mokokchung, Phek. Basically, major events will take place in Kisama and Kohima. To engage more people, this time round the festival will spread over Dimapur with the launch of Hornbill International Music Festival at DDSC Stadium through Hornbill Bollywood Dhamaka featuring popular Indian artist KK on December 1 and Kailash Kher on December 3 along with the Native Trax Society Music Awards event at NEZCC Complex. On December 10, the Trail Hounds Mountain Biking event will be held in Mokokchung and the 4th Hornbill Riders’ Meet will kick start from Khezhakeno in Phek district and culminate at Kisama on December 5. Addressing press conference here today, Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism C. Apok Jamir said the department is also contemplating to spread the events to other parts of the state in the coming years.

Various guests including Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister of Assam, Richard Verma, US Ambassador to India, Papu Yadav and lady wife (both MPs), Justice Ajit Singh, Chief Justice Gauhati High Court, Guwahati, Vinod Zutshi, secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Alan Gemmell, OBE Minister Cultural Affairs, British Council India, Air marshal C. Hari Kumar, AVSM VM VSM, AOE-in-C EAC, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI AAYOG have confirmed their participation.

Additional packages
Among the additional packages of this year festival includes; Angami Sports Association (ASA) golden jubilee stone pulling ceremony, Trail Hounds Mountain Biking, horse riding & pony cart transportation, tug of war competition, Kohima city tour, Voice of Hornbill, India Beatboxing Championship and Beatbox Limca Record, Junkies-Cosplay, Stilt Bamboo walking competition among others.



The normal highlights of the festival will include; exhibition cum sale of handloom and handicrafts products, Craftscape, Hornbill International Photo Fest, Naga Chef Competition, Kids Carnival, Hornbill International Music Festival, Handshake concert, Hornbill Night Carnival, Hornbill International Rock Contest, North East Cultural Day, state level flower show, greased bamboo pole climbing, Native Trax Society Music Awards, 6th Hornbill Half Marathon & Great Hornbill Run, 5th annual Hornbill Cycle Rally & Mountain Biking, 4th Hornbill riders’ meet, demonstration of horticulture machineries, traditional fire making competition, 4th Hornbill Choral Competition, Car Rally (WW II), Hornbill Naga Wrestling Championship, Miss Nagaland 2016, Naga chilli eating competition, culturally yours, etc.

Hope you are prepared with all the poking of Hotels and excitement. Have a enjoyable Hornbill.

Sources: (MorungExpress) & (wikipedia)

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