After gap year, Nagaland “fully prepared” to host week-long Hornbill Festival

Kohima: After a gap of one year, Nagaland is all set to host the world-famous Hornbill Festival at Kisama heritage village.

Viyielo Doulo, Joint Director of Nagaland Tourism Department, said the state was “fully prepared” to witness the mega festival amid the COVID-19 pandemic and that preparations for the mega festival has kickstarted.

Last year the annual celebration was held virtually for the first time in 20 years since it started. The heritage village remained deserted for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic but now preparations are on in full swing to host the 22^nd edition of the festival.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Doulo said, “The work has already started and renovations are going on. Our target is to get Kisama ready for the event by November 15.”

Although the department has not received an official intimation, Doulo said the annual 10-day Hornbill Festival was likely to be celebrated only for 7-days this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He, however, said this year the Hornbill Festival promises to be more “interesting” with new ideas and concepts, which will be a surprise for the people—including events for the opening and opening ceremony.

Doulo reiterated that all COVID-19 SOPs prescribed by the Union ministry and the state government will be strictly followed.

Situated about 13 kms from Kohima town, Kisama has witnessed a huge footfall of tourists each year who come to experience the rich and diverse culture of the Nagas, vibrantly displayed in the form of folk music and dance, food, crafts and art.

The Naga morungs (traditional men’s dormitories), which symbolize the uniqueness of each Naga tribe, is a major attraction for tourists at the village. The structure of the morungs reflects the ancient architectural style of the Naga tribes and each tribe has a different name for it.

Ahead of the Hornbill festival, Nagaland will also be hosting International Tourism Mart (ITM) for the first time at Kisama from November 28 to 30 with over 500 participants from the northeastern states.

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