On December 6 night Renowned Indian band Parikrama graced the stage, along with  Nagaland’s achieving bands Devine Connection and XTC which enthralled the music enthusiasts in attendance.

Meanwhile the week long Hornbill Festival 2008 concluded in the presence of parliamentary secretary for Art & Culture, Tourism and Law & Justice, Yitachu. In the closing ceremonial event six cultural troupes were selected for additional performances where Sumi dance display was one of main attractions witnessed by a large gathering at Kisama. Beating of log drum by Chang Naga was also performed.

Other cultural troupes which took part in the closing ceremony included Angami, Chakhesang, Yimchunger and Zeliang troupes. Both domestic and foreign tourists joined the cultural troupes in dancing and singing around the lit fire. Commissioner & Secretary Tourism, K.K Sema led the crowd in the merry making during the concluding day. 

In the middle of the performing arena all cultural troupes joined in the making of the ceremonial bonfire with much gusto where the Parliamentary Secretary, Yitachu lit the bonfire and in the meantime Naga Idol 2008 finalist Kenei enthralled the crowd with special numbers. The Auld Lang Syne from Theja Meru’s band also enlivened the gathering with their special songs. The programme ended with a beautiful display of fireworks. 

As part of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, the inaugural function of the World War II Museum was held at Kisama with the Governor of Nagaland as the chief guest. 

Addressing the gathering, including the War veterans, the Governor stressed on the importance of the Battle of Kohima in the Second World War and how it proved to be ‘the turning point in the war with Japan.’ He said that the World War II Museum is to immortalise the memory of the Second World War for generations to come in remembrance of the sacrifices of the valiant soldiers more than 60 years ago. He said that Kohima was a turning point in the war against Japan and hoped that the Museum will go a long way in helping the people to understand and to remember those who stopped the Japanese advance into Northern India. 

The Governor said that the museum will help students learn about the history of Kohima and the role played by soldiers in ensuring the future that we are living today, the Governor said. 

State Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio in his address congratulated the Arts & Culture Department and the people of Nagaland for the bright idea of having the Second World War Museum which had been executed artistically and efficiently. He hoped that the Museum would further enhance the attractiveness of Kohima and Nagaland as a tourist destination, both for Indian nationals and foreigners. 

Rio said that the museum is intended to convey the folly of war, its costs and destructivity in terms of lives and property and to convey the need of building peace and brotherhood amongst mankind. The museum will also serve as a memorial for those who had made the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation, and to honour their memories, so that the younger generation may also imbibe the true spirit of sacrifice and patriotism, which is much needed today, Rio added.  

The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland started at the Nagaland Heritage Complex Kisama, under the theme ‘Progress through Culture.’ 

Addressing the inaugural function of Hornbill Festival, the Governor of Nagaland, K. Sankaranarayanan described Nagaland as the land of festivals, where a distinct colourful festival is celebrated almost every month in some part of the state or the other. “Hornbill festival truly represents the fusion of tradition and modernity, bringing together all tribes and communities together in the celebration of Nagaland” he added. 

Rio also said that the event has become a unique platform for the tourists to witness the cultural diversity of not only the Nagas, but also the seven other sister states of North East India. The Chief Minister informed that the Government is exploring the possibility of forming a consortium for organising the Hornbill Festival that will comprise of corporate bodies, event managers, cultural experts etc who would professionally manage the whole show. 

Parliamentary Secretary, Art & Culture, Tourism and Law & Justice, Yitachu in his opening remarks as the chairman of the programme, said that festivals are a time of friendship and a time to seek peace, and called upon the people to pursue peaceful ends through peaceful means. 

Xavier Rutsa