Kohima: The stage is all set for the Hornbill festival which will showcase Nagaland's traditional and rich cultural heritage in all its ethnicity, diversity and grandeur from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village, at Kisama about 12 km from here.
The Tourism Department, which is the nodal agency for the Hornbill festival along with other government departments and tribal Hohos, are working hard to ensure this Hornbill festival be different and unique from the past, said Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, C Apok Jamir while addressing a press conference here this evening.
"The Hornbill festival will not only be a 10-day carnival to showcase the rich culture and tradition of the diverse culture of the 16 Naga tribes, but will reflect the true Nagaland," he said.
The Hornbill festival shows with its stunning natural beauty and great cultural traditions, that Nagaland can offer a rich fare to the tourists, he said.
Union Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma will grace the inaugural function on December 1 as the guest of honour, Jamir said adding, Union HRD Minister and Centre's Interlocutor for Naga peace talks, R N Ravi along with senior officials from the consulates of France and Britain would visit the festival.
To showcase the involvement of the 16 Naga tribes, the government has initiated construction of Welcome and Thank You gates along all routes leading to Kisama starting from Dimapur, he said.
Besides showcasing the tradition and heritage, the Hornbill Festival will also have several other attractions including the Hornbill International Rock contest from December 3 to 6, which will have 25 bands competing as part of the Hornbill International Music Festival.
The participation of internationally renowned bands such as Helloween, one of the most influential metal bands in the world and Arrival, the official tribute band of ABBA from Sweden, would be adding colour to this year's Hornbill International Music Festival (HIMF) which will commence on December 1, said Director of Music Task Force, Gugs Chishi.
The HIMF-2015 is organised by the Music Task Force (MTF), Government of Nagaland, in association with Pepsi MTV Indies and Northeast Today.
