Autumn Festival Sets The Stage For Hornbill Fest Return

Delhi got a whiff of Nagaland&rsquos unique culture and traditions on November 4 at the first edition of the &ldquoAutumn Festival&rdquo which was held at Nagaland House, New Delhi, to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

"The Autumn Festival showcases an excellent holistic flavour of the state in terms of art, culture, cuisine, music etc. It is also a prelude to the Hornbill festival to be held in Nagaland in December," said Gyan Bhushan IES, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism at the event. The Hornbill Festival is all set to be back after being disrupted for two years (2020 and 2021) due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is meant to showcase Nagaland's cultural heritage and foster inter-tribal cooperation, allowing tourists to understand the state's people and culture deeper.

The Autumn Festival was hosted by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland and the Chief Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House. It was supported by Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA), and the Ministry of Tourism. Embassy representatives, as well as dignitaries from other ministries and state bhawans, attended the event.

Lisapila Anar, Senior Public Relations Officer, Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, mentioned that since the tourism industry was severely hit during the pandemic, rebuilding it for the future is their priority and prerogative. "The autumn festival was initiated keeping that in mind, and through it, we attempted to showcase and share a slice of the Hornbill festival to potential visitors/travellers from Delhi," she said.

"We couldn't think of a better time to do it than hosting it in commemoration of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. We hope such events will contribute to a greater understanding of Naga culture and encourage people to visit Nagaland," she added.

Renowned Naga musicians Imna Yaden, Yangertoshi Longkumer, and Governor's Award winner Sunep Lemtur gave live performances. In addition, the festival had dance troupes from different tribes that enthralled the audience.

The crowd was also drawn to a fashion show put up by the brand Mongken, a project of the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA). Mongken's mission is to give indigenous designers, talented artisans, and craftsmen from Nagaland the chance to make a living, especially in disadvantaged areas, while promoting and preserving traditional expertise, traditional motifs, and woven patterns. The clothing and accessories of the Phom, Konyak, Sangtam, Yimchucher, Chang, and Khiamniungan tribes of Eastern Nagaland inspire the ethos of the brand.

The event featured textiles, handicrafts, and regional culinary products made by young entrepreneurs and artisans to promote local business and &ldquoMade in Nagaland&rdquo goods and to give attendees a taste of the impending Hornbill festival, which begins on December 1.

Meanwhile, to mark the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Nagaland's art and culture department held a &ldquoTribal Festival&rdquo last month at the Amphitheatre, Directorate of Art and Culture, Kohima.