The inaugural programme of the 3rd edition of Autumn Festival, a prelude to the 25th Hornbill Festival was launched at Nagaland House, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi on 18th October 2024. Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland was the chief host of the event. Union Minister of State, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Social Justice and Empowerment, B. L. Verma graced the inaugural function along with Mugdha Sinha IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India as chief guest and Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru in India as the honoured guest.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education while addressing the gathering said that the Autumn Festival is a countdown to the Hornbill Festival and called on the 17 Naga tribes to unite and prepare for the upcoming festival. He invited those present to be a part of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival which will be celebrated from 1st – 10th December 2024 at Kisama. He said that it is not just a festival but much more than that, where bonds are made, and trusts, faith and affection of the Nagas earned. He thanked the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Country Partner, Peru for partnering with the state during the Hornbill Festival.
Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Mugdha Sinha congratulating the government and the people of the State said that the success of the Festival stands as an exemplar, and commended the Naga’s persistence and continuity that they have managed to reach the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival, where today it has international bands performing at the Festival and different countries wanting to partner with the State in celebrating the Festival. She also lauded the State for promoting sustainability through the Festival, by nurturing the coming together of nature and culture, which she added, is something to be admired and learnt from by other states. She thanked the state government and the community for educating and sharing their cuisines, music, and textiles with people from outside the State.
Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, IRS, Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism, Government of Nagaland delivered the welcome address. Guests were treated to a cultural extravaganza which included, song performance by Ao Naga Choir, cultural song by Ao students, a fashion show on traditional Naga wear by Kitem and traditional Naga wrestling match was played. DGP Band also performed at the programme. The Autumn Festival will go on till 20th October 2024.
The event is being organized by the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland in collaboration with Office of the Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi.
