KOHMA: The Hornbill Festival 2024 at Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland is not just a celebration of Nagaland’s cultural diversity but also a platform where partner states like Sikkim shine.
This year, in celebrating the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, lovingly dubbed as the “Festival of Festivals”, Sikkim’s delegation has brought together a diverse group of participants, including Self-Help Groups (SHGs), artisans, and government representatives, who are actively showcasing the state’s rich culture and initiatives.
The Tourism and Civil Aviation Department team, led by Mr Manoj Chettri, Deputy Director and supported by TAAS members, is actively promoting Sikkim’s rural tourism and eco-tourism ventures.
Partnering closely with them, Temi Tea and the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom (DHH) are presenting Sikkim’s handcrafted products and tea culture, drawing attention to the sustainable practices of the state.
The festival also features the remarkable contributions of Millet Man, Mr Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, and Padmashree awardee, Mr Jordan Lepcha, a bamboo craftsman whose work epitomises Sikkim’s eco-friendly ethos.
Adding vibrancy to the Sikkim pavilion are SHGs from across the state. Groups such as Jeewan Jyoti, Himali, Saipatri, Nari Ajambari, and Goonkisi from Namthang, alongside Lotus, Kagyu Tshokpa, Survo Kursong Mozum, and Snowdrop from Kabi, are displaying handmade products, organic foods, and local crafts.
From Duga, SHGs like Gurash, Jan Kalyan, and Ganga, as well as Anmol from Soreng, are presenting their entrepreneurial initiatives, promoting women empowerment and sustainable livelihoods.
The efforts of the Sikkim delegation received a significant boost when Nagaland Chief Minister Mr Neiphiu Rio visited the Sikkim stalls today, featuring handloom and handicrafts set up at the festival premises.
The Chief Minister of Nagaland interacted with the participants, lauding their contributions to the event. He was accompanied by Ms Annapurna Alley, IPR Secretary, Government of Sikkim, and Mr Yougan Tamang, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, whose presence further emphasised the state’s commitment to showcasing its cultural heritage on a national platform.
Together, the delegation has created a vibrant hub that reflects Sikkim’s traditions, modernity, and eco-conscious values. Their active participation not only adds to the festival’s multicultural essence but also strengthens the bond between Nagaland and Sikkim, proving that unity in diversity is the heartbeat of India.
- IPR Report
