KISAMA: Hornbill Festival 2023, the 24th edition of the Festival of Festivals flagged off on Friday. The opening event saw the presence of several foreign dignitaries including multiple Ambassadors. 16,446 tourists, including 353 foreign, 4108 domestic and 11985 local tourists attended the event on the opening day.
The Hornbill Festival 2023, like the previous editions, started on December 1. The festival will continue for 10 days. Representatives from the United States, Britain, Columbia and Germany attended this inaugural event.
Nagaland governor, La Ganesan also attended the event. He said the festival is a celebration that not only showcased the rich mix of Naga heritage but also embodied the spirit of unity in diversity.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed everyone to be a part of the Hornbill Festival 2023. He called it the culmination of the culture of the tribes of the state, calling it the Festival of Festivals from the Land of Festivals. Adding that the tribes and sub-tribes of the state celebrate multiple events across the year. And the Hornbill Festival is the culmination of all events. He also said that the festival has transcended the initial vision to become and national and international sensation. The Chief Minister also thanked the partner countries as well as the partner state of Assam.
Eric Garcetti, US Ambassador to India expressed his joy in being part of the festival and seeing the unity, peace and celebration in the state. He also extended his greetings to the people of Nagaland from the native tribes of America.
Alex Ellis, British High Commissioner to India called the Nagas one of the bravest people in the world. Remunerating the stories of bravery during the World War II era, the diplomat praised the idea of the festival. Also adding that the time for fighting is gone and now it is about happiness, dance, songs and good times.
Dr. Victor Echeverri Jaramillo, Ambassador of Colombia to India also thanked the state for extending invitation to his country. He shared a message from Colombia through the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific for the attendees of the event.
Barbara Voss, German Consul General Kolkata, said she felt at home right from the moment she landed in Nagaland. Adding that she had learned a lot of things about the tribes appreciating the rich culture and heritage.
Bishop of Kohima, Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, invoked the blessings of the Lord for festival. A Call of the Hornbill and Kisama Walk were also part of the inaugural event.
