President Pranab inaugurates Nagaland's Hornbill festival

Kisama (Nagaland): The sounding of a gong, traditional songs and dance day marked the grand opening of Nagaland’s famous Hornbill Festival by President Pranab Mukherjee here. Hornbill (name of a bird) Festival, considered one of the biggest events in the state, showcases the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Naga people. [caption id=“attachment_1260345” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  President Pranab Mukherjee.[/caption] Their festivals, music and dance make for an enchanting display of their ethnicity and diversity. To revive, protect and preserve this heritage and to enable visitors to understand it, the Hornbill Festival is celebrated through a collaborative effort of all Naga tribes. The 10-day festival began with sounding of the gong by the President. Earlier, Chief Angh (head) of Hongphoi village Buwang Konyak gave his traditional blessings. The President was also presented with traditional Naga gear like ‘Dao’ (a small sword), among others. He wore ‘Tsula’ (traditional head gear) and posed with the Dao to portray a ferocious Naga warrior. Mukherjee was here to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of Nagaland’s statehood. “It gives me immense pleasure to be here, in your midst, once again in Nagaland on such an auspicious day. At the outset, let me congratulate the people and the government of Nagaland on their completion of 50 years as a state,” he said. “I also compliment them on having organised this Hornbill Festival-2013, which brings together all Naga tribes in a collaborative effort to preserve, protect and provide new impetus to their rich traditions of music, dance, food and culture,” the President said in his inaugural address to scores of tourists and locals. Former President Late Dr S Radhakrishnan had inaugurated the state on December 1, 1963. Mukherjee said in his address to the people of Nagaland that Dr Radhakrishnan had said the government must capture the hearts and minds of the people. “I am delighted to note his message being implemented through this festival and would urge the leadership to continue to heed to this advice,” he said. The President praised the rich and unique traditions and practices of the Naga people. “I would like to use this occasion to call upon the people of the rest of India to discover Nagaland, visit this state, contribute to the local economy and strengthen the bonds that tie different parts of our country and people together,” he said. A host of cultural programmes were organised for the President, who also visited two tribals huts – Pochury and Chakhesang Morung. The festival will have several traditional and modern cultural programmes, besides interesting competitions like ‘Naga Chilli eating contest’. PTI