Australia Recognises The Iconic And World-Renowned Hornbill Festival

Kohima: Australia has recognised the iconic and world-renowned Hornbill festival and the rich culture and heritage of the Naga people, said the country's Deputy Consul General, Daniel Sim.

While speaking at a session on the fourth day of the Hornbill festival on Saturday, Sim said,'' It's an amazing festival showcasing the special and diverse culture of Nagaland and has been a huge success''.

He further asserted that Australia is looking to help Nagaland to develop in the agriculture and horticulture sector, adding, ''Australia will start a horticulture project in Mokokchung district of the state.''

Various tribes of the state on Saturday i.e. the fourth day of the festival showcased their cultural dances, songs and games.

Showcasing traditional life and culture, the 10-day-long 22nd edition of Hornbill Festival began at the Naga Heritage Village Kisama on Wednesday.

The Hornbill Festival, named after a colourful forest bird, coincides with the 59th Nagaland statehood day celebrations. President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President J.P. Nadda and many other leaders greeted people of Nagaland on the occasion.

Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, his council of ministers and senior envoys of several countries including the US, Germany, Israel were present in the colourful inaugural functions. The Hornbill Festival 'fever' has gripped the entire north-eastern region for the past many days.

The event's epicentre - the Naga Heritage Village Kisama, 12 km away from Kohima, was quiet last year with the celebrations turned online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the original traditional zeal, gaiety and fervour re-emerged this year. However, due to the outbreak of the new variant of Covid-19 named 'Omicron' and Union Health Ministry guidelines, the visit of foreign tourists to the festival seems difficult.

The Hornbill Festival, which has been organised for the past over two decades, is the major platform to promote Nagaland tourism and related business and offers entrepreneurs opportunities to grow.

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