Kohima, Dec 1 : “We are on our way to the Hornbill, mate,” Peter Styrus, an Australian citizen told an inquisitive co-passenger at the Kolkata airport on Tuesday morning. For the next 10-odd minutes he explained what the Hornbill Festival at Kisama (near Kohima) is all about.
“All the Naga tribes gather there. It is a great opportunity to learn about the customs and lives of the indigenous people from that state. It’s full of colour,” Styrus explained to an Indian, who seemed to have heard of the occasion for the first time.
By early evening, the lights of Kohima could be seen from many miles away. This was indeed strange for a city that many believe goes to sleep after sundown. Fireworks dazzled in the night sky as youngsters roamed the streets. But then, this was not any other night. It was the eve of a carnival like no other — the Hornbill Festival.
The week long Hornbill Festival kicks off on Wednesday. Apart from several thousand people from various parts of Nagaland and hundreds of others from other states, a large number of foreign tourists have gathered at Kohima to be part of the festivities.
Among them is US consul general Beth A Payne who arrived from Kolkata on Tuesday with a number of her countrymen. Payne will be chief guest during the launch of the Hornbill Music Festival this year.
But what is the festival all about? “It is about bringing all the tribes together, bro. For the next seven days, members of the 16 tribes of Nagaland will gather here and showcase their heritage and culture. There will be live music and dance.
We will have a rock concert. You can taste our cuisine and have lots of rice beer,” laughed Steve, a musician.
There will be a little bit of something for everyone, the organizers promise. Tribute will be paid to those who lost their lives in Kohima during World War II. At the same time, the streets of Kohima will witness scenes of fun and gaiety during the Night Carnival.
Entries have poured in for the Miss Nagaland contest. Among the whackier events is a Naga Chilli-eating contest.
Nagaland seems to be slowly but surely emerging from decades of violence. In the last few months, not a single life has been lost due to infighting between various groups.
However, there is still a long way to go, locals say. Extortion has gone up. Dimapur (62 km from Kohima) witnessed a bandh recently after a businessman was abducted.
In spite of this, there is hope. A large section of the youth has come forward to shun violence and make a new beginning.
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