Advisor for Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio on Friday called upon citizens, entrepreneurs and visitors to uphold responsible behaviour, hygiene and civic sense during the 13th Dimapur Night Carnival, an extended event of the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.
Addressing the gathering during the inauguration of the Night Carnival, Zhaleo expressed happiness at being part of the event, describing it as an extension of the “great, popular and world-renowned” Hornbill Festival. He conveyed greetings to all present on behalf of the state government and appreciated the growing enthusiasm and preparation witnessed among local entrepreneurs and stall owners along the carnival stretch.
Thanking the organisers, Zhaleo noted that over the years there has been marked improvement not only in the conduct of the event but also in the behaviour of citizens, business owners and night visitors. As the carnival enters its 13th edition, he appealed to stall owners to provide quality and hygienic food throughout the celebrations, scheduled from December 6 to 10, so that visitors do not face complaints or discomfort.
Emphasizing responsible enjoyment, the Advisor said that while people are free to eat and drink during the festivities, good behaviour must be maintained at all times. He stressed that the festival is an opportunity not just to showcase Naga culture, products and cuisine, but also to display the conduct, discipline and values of the Naga people to visitors from across the country and abroad.
He pointed out that visitors should return with positive memories of Nagaland, shaped by how people behave, interact and conduct themselves during such public events. He urged everyone to ensure that no actions during the celebrations hurt the sentiments of others or project a negative image of the people and the land.
Highlighting the expansion of the Hornbill Festival beyond Kohima in its 26th year to districts such as Mon, Wokha, Tuensang and others, Rio said Dimapur continues to receive special attention as the commercial hub and “face of Nagaland,” with events organised in collaboration with the Tourism Department. While acknowledging the challenges faced by Dimapur, he encouraged citizens to focus on strengthening the positive aspects of the city and gradually overcome the negative ones.
Concluding his address, Rio said the Hornbill Festival has grown into a celebration of unity, resilience and shared identity among the diverse communities of Nagaland. He wished the Dimapur Night Carnival a smooth, disciplined and successful run and extended best wishes to all participants and visitors.
Earlier, welcoming the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Zakabo Rotoka thanked God for ushering in another festive season and expressed appreciation to the organising committee for working tirelessly under a tight schedule to ensure a clean, safe and family-friendly event for the public. He also extended gratitude to Advisor Zhaleo Rio for taking time out of his busy schedule to inaugurate the carnival, noting that his presence added significance to the occasion.
Rotoka acknowledged the participation of church leaders, government officials, public representatives and artists, and especially lauded the entrepreneurs who set up stalls at short notice. He expressed hope that the vendors would benefit from strong business over the next several days and that citizens would enjoy the festivities in a joyful and orderly manner.
The Dimapur Night Carnival, held annually as part of the Hornbill Festival celebrations, has grown into a major platform for promoting local entrepreneurs, cultural expression and urban community engagement, attracting visitors from across Nagaland and neighbouring states.
Singer NK Naga enthralled the audience at the Night Carnival with his songs
More than 100 stalls have been set up by local entrepreneurs in the Night Carnival, which is being organized by the Dimapur District Administration in collaboration with Dimapur Municipal Council and Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
