Nagaland welcomes Thai Princess in traditional style

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand today arrived here on a three-day official visit and graced the premiere purification festival 'Sekrenyi' of the Angami Nagas as the chief guest.
On her arrival along with her entourage at the state capital, the Princess was received by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio along with his cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Banuo Z Jamir, Home Commissioner Temjen Toy and other senior officials at the helipad.
The Princess graced the Angami Sekrenyi festival hosted by Southern Angami Public Organisation as the chief guest, which was marked by traditional fervor and gaiety at Naga heritage village, Kisama, officials said.

Attired in colourful dresses, 16 Naga tribes welcomed the Princess with traditional Naga yodeling and beating of drums.
Extending greetings on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the royal visit would strengthen ties between the Nagas and Thai people.
Rio maintained that the Thai people have already participated in the Great National Hornbill Festival of Nagaland held annually in the month of December.

He said, India has been stressing on the Look East Policy and the visit of the Princess would enhance people to people contact between the North Eastern Region and the South Asian countries.
"We look forward to better contact between the North East region and South Asian countries, with whom we share many similarities," the CM said.

During her stay in Kohima, the Princess would be visiting Khonoma, World War-II Cemetery and Nagaland University Meriema Campus tomorrow before leaving on Thursday.