Prez inaugurates Nagaland's Hornbill festival

Hornbill (name of a bird) Festival showcases the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Naga people

The sounding of a gong, traditional songs and dance today marked the grand opening of Nagaland's famous Hornbill Festival by President Pranab Mukherjee here.

Hornbill (name of a bird) Festival, considered one of the biggest events in the state, showcases the rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Naga people.

Their festivals, music and dance make for an enchanting display of their ethnicity and diversity.

To revive, protect and preserve this heritage and to enable visitors to understand it, the Hornbill Festival is celebrated through a collaborative effort of all Naga tribes.

The 10-day festival began with sounding of the gong by the President.

Earlier, Chief Angh (head) of Hongphoi village Buwang Konyak gave his traditional blessings.

The President was also presented with traditional Naga gear like 'Dao' (a small sword), among others. He wore 'Tsula' (traditional head gear) and posed with the Dao to portray a ferocious Naga warrior.

Mukherjee was here to participate in the golden jubilee celebrations of Nagaland's statehood.

"It gives me immense pleasure to be here, in your midst, once again in Nagaland on such an auspicious day. At the outset, let me congratulate the people and the government of Nagaland on their completion of 50 years as a state," he said.