Kohima, Nov 30 (IANS) To showcase the traditional and diverse culture and vibrant life of the region, the 10-day-long 25th edition of the famous Hornbill Festival is set to begin at the picturesque Naga heritage village Kisama on Sunday.

Officials of the Nagaland Tourism, Art and Culture Department, which organised the mega annual carnival, said that this year Japan would be the country partner of the Hornbill Festival, named after the majestic hornbill bird, which holds a significant place in the folklore of the Naga tribes.

Nagaland Tourism Director Veyielo Doulo said that Japan would be participating in various sectors including cultural performances, capacity-building and workshops in handicrafts and bamboo products through Japanese resource persons, master craftspersons and world-famous musicians.

“Last year the festival witnessed a footfall of 1.54 lakh people, including a large number of foreign tourists. This year we expect the number of tourists, foreign and domestic, to be doubled,” Doulo told .

He said that the festival provides a unique platform for visitors to witness not only the Naga cultural diversity converged at one venue but also the states of northeast India as a means of cultural exchange, while adventure, sports, art, handicraft, fashion, music, literature, etc also come as part of the special package.

Known as the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ this grand event not only showcases the rich traditions and heritage of Nagaland but also brings together the diverse tribes of the state in a symphony of colours, sounds, and dances.

Since December 2000, the Hornbill Festival has been held at Kisama Heritage Village, 12 km from the capital city Kohima.

The festival has grown in stature over the years to become one of India’s premier cultural events.

Each of Nagaland’s recognised tribes participates, showcasing their unique customs, attire, and traditions.

With a population of two million (tribals constitute 86.5 per cent), Nagaland has 17 tribes and all the tribes have their own festivals.

Visitors can witness traditional dances, music performances, indigenous games, and craft exhibitions that provide a window into the life and culture of the Naga people.

Last year the US, Germany and Columbia were the country partners while Assam was the partner state of the festival.

For the tourists and guests, it is an opportunity to get a comprehensive understanding of the Naga people, their land and their rich culture and customs.

Highlights of the silver jubilee edition of the iconic 10-day Hornbill Festival include daily performances of around two-dozen cultural troupes, sales of local products, handloom and handicrafts, artworks, horticulture, traditional stone pulling ceremony, film festival, photo fest, heritage walk, kids’ carnival, International Hornbill Naga Wrestling, indigenous games and sports festival etc.

Local cuisine, food festival, Naga King chilly and pineapple eating competitions, World War-II rally, adventure outdoor activities, mountain biking, Dzukou Valley Day Hikes, Bamboo Carnival, Night Carnival are the other important attractions of the gala celebration.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who earlier this week inaugurated several facilities at Kisama village ahead of the festival, highlighted that the Hornbill Festival has evolved into an international event, attracting global tourists, and expressed confidence that the new facilities would enhance the festival experience for visitors from around the world.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at [email protected])

Courtesy Media Group: IANS