Nagaland gears up for grand 25th Hornbill Festival

KOHIMA — Nagaland is preparing for the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival, a major cultural event attracting both domestic and international tourists. The festival, taking place at Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, from December 1 to the 10th, promises a larger scale and enhanced experience compared to previous years.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Chief Secretary Dr. J Alam highlighted the ongoing preparations for this landmark edition. “This year, since it is the 25th edition of the festival, a lot of preparations are underway to welcome guests from the rest of the country and from the international level,” he said.

Alam said that the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, the festival’s primary venue, has undergone a series of upgrades and the main arena has been expanded to accommodate three times the number of tourists compared to previous years. He said that the Bamboo Pavilion has been reconstructed along with renovation of facilities at the World War II Museum. Additionally, morungs for partner countries—Japan, Peru and Wales—are being constructed or renovated to offer visitors a fresh experience, he said.

“The amenities in the heritage complex itself will be much better; that is our hope,” he added.

Addressing logistical challenges, Alam informed that all supporting agencies including the PWD, Power department and PHED are being upgraded to enhance the overall experience. While this year’s monsoon season had caused extensive damage to roads, he said that the PWD and NHIDCL have undertaken significant repairs and the roads are in better condition compared to previous months.

Also, concerns raised by troupes from eastern districts of Nagaland regarding facilities, accommodation, and transport have been addressed and troupes from other parts of the state and elsewhere would have a pleasant experience this year, he said.

Accessibility and traffic

To improve accessibility, special transport arrangements and other ease-of-movement measures for people with disabilities are being implemented, the chief secretary informed, while acknowledging the scope for further improvements.

In order to tackle traffic congestion in the festival zone, a new traffic plan has been devised. This includes enhanced use of public transport from designated parking areas to the heritage complex. Alam elaborated that a shuttle service would be in place, with parking arranged at Kigwema ground, from where visitors would be transported to Kisama. He also informed that public transport services would be available from Kohima to the festival sites.

Promoting culture and tourism

According to the chief secretary, this year’s Hornbill Festival promises a more diverse programme with the participation of other states and partner countries adding new activities and cultural experiences.

He stressed the festival’s role in promoting the state’s cultural heritage, and called the festival a “treasure that offers opportunities for gainful employment and sustains the state’s tourism brand.” The ‘Hornbill brand’ is gaining strength, he said, urging the people of Nagaland to maintain the high standards of hospitality for which the state is known.

Furthermore, he said that several union ministers are expected to attend the festival despite the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

The festival’s opening day, December 1, will also mark Nagaland Statehood Day and the inauguration of the newly completed Eco Park in Kohima. A mass social work initiative is planned for November 22 to further prepare for the festival, he said, adding that government officers, staff, and the general public have been mobilised for this effort.

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