Hornbill Festival 2024 concludes with strong participation from Sikkim

KOHIMA,(IPR): The Hornbill Festival 2024, a 10-day celebration of Nagaland’s vibrant culture and traditions, came to a grand conclusion on Tuesday at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, with a series of spectacular events.

Known as the "Festival of Festivals," this milestone edition celebrated 25 years of promoting the rich traditions and unity of the Naga people.

The festival, which began on December 1, drew enthusiastic participation from across India and the world, highlighting the diverse cultural heritage of Nagaland and the importance of inter-state and international cultural exchanges.

This year’s edition also saw the active participation of Sikkim and Telangana as Partner States, adding to the grandeur and inclusivity of the event.

A vibrant contingent from Sikkim, flagged off by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on November 29 from Gangtok, actively represented the Himalayan state.

The delegation included officials and representatives from the Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (DHH), Tourism and Civil Aviation department, Commerce and Industries department, Culture department, Information and Public Relations department, Self-Help Groups, media personnel and participants from car and bike rally teams.

Sikkim's Tourism minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia also visited the festival during its course alongside dignitaries including Tenzing Dorjee Bhutia, chairman, SIMFED; Yougan Tamang, press secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim; CS Rao, principal secretary, Tourism and Civil Aviation department; Annapurna Alley, secretary, Information and Public Relations department; Niraj Pradhan, principal chief engineer, Tourism and Civil Aviation department; and Rimp Dorjee Lepcha, chief engineer, Culture department.

The Sikkim Tourism Minister interacted with the delegation at the Sikkim stalls and commended their efforts in showcasing the state’s tourism, culture, and craftsmanship on such a prestigious platform.

Over the ten days, Sikkim’s vibrant presence captivated audiences through performances by cultural troupes, traditional arts and crafts, and eco-tourism showcases. Renowned artisans, including Padmashree Jordan Lepcha and Millet Man Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, highlighted the State’s expertise in bamboo crafts and sustainable agriculture.

The final day of the festival featured two sessions of cultural festivities under the banner "Culture Connect," organised by the department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland.

The first session, hosted by Jacob Zhimomi, minister of PHED and Corporation, Nagaland, with W Chingang Konyak, advisor for Geology & Mining and DUDA, as the co-host, presented a cultural extravaganza showcasing the unique music, dance, and attire of the State’s tribes.

The second session, hosted by Metsubo Jamir, minister of Rural Development and SIRD, Nagaland, and co-hosted by Temjenmenba, advisor for Transport and Technical Education, featured another round of cultural programmes celebrating the talents of participating troupes.

Adding a poignant touch to the closing ceremony was the final presentation of the cultural programme, a farewell song titled Acham Khün, performed by the Yimkhiung cultural troupe. This meaningful song from the Yimkhiung community draws a parallel between the setting sun and the end of an event, symbolising a time of closure.

The song expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Nagaland government for the invitation and opportunity to be part of this milestone celebration. It extended appreciation to the esteemed guests and attendees, particularly those who traveled from afar to partake in the festivities.

As the silver jubilee of the Hornbill Festival 2024 concluded, the song conveyed a warm and emotional farewell, marking the beginning of the return journey for participants and visitors.

The Hornbill Festival 2024 stood as a vibrant hub for cultural fusion, bringing together the rich tribal traditions of Nagaland and the Himalayan charm of Sikkim.

The strong collaboration between Nagaland and Sikkim set a benchmark for future cultural events, showcasing the growing importance of inter-state partnerships in promoting unity and mutual respect.

Closing this milestone celebration on a high note, participants from both the States hailed it as a resounding success as they departed with cherished memories and a renewed sense of camaraderie.