Pranab Mukherjee to inaugurate Nagaland's Hornbill festival

The ten-day festivities will showcase the rich tradition and culture of the Naga tribes

President Pranab Mukherjee will arrive in Nagaland on November 30 to inaugurate the 10-day Hornbill Festival and take part in the 50th anniversary celebration of statehood of Nagaland.

Addressing a press conference here this afternoon, State Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism Department Himato Zhimomi said, "The President will inaugurate the 10-day Hornbill Festival and launch the year-long golden jubilee celebration of Nagaland statehood."

Himato said that over 1000 foreign tourists and more than 10,000 domestic tourists from rest of the country as well as over 2 lakh visitors within the state are expected to attend the special Hornbill Festival this year.

He said besides Mukherjee, other dignitaries likely to attend the celebrations are Tourism Minister of Thailand, Governors and Chief Ministers of North East States, US based journalists and visitors from South Asian countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, Singapore.

The ten-day festivities will not only showcase the rich tradition and culture of the Naga tribes, but also various other events for the young and old alike.

The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is one of the biggest cultural extravaganzas in the North East. It seeks to revive, protect, sustain, and promote the richness of the Naga heritage and traditions.

During the Hornbill Festival, all the Naga tribes come together for celebration of their cultural and traditional plight.

It is a time where all these tribes gather up to showcase their age-old traditions and come closer to knowing each other.