New Delhi: The Hornbill Festival which began on Wednesday saw 12,000 people on the first day amid Covid-19 safety protocol. The festival, which is taking place after a year's gap due to the Covid-19 pandemic, began with Governor Jagdish Mukhi striking the traditional gong of the Nagas.
The Nagaland government on Tuesday said elaborate arrangements have been made to check the spread of coronavirus during the ten-day Hornbill Festival in the state.
Tourism Department Assistant Director Toka E Tuccumi said that of the 12.420 footfall on the first day of the 22nd edition of the festival, 9,527 were local tourists, 2,882 were domestic visitors and only 11 came from abroad.
While addressing the people on the occasion at the Naga Heritage Village, Mukhi said that the Centre and state government are working hard to bring peace to Nagaland.
"The day is not far when the much-awaited peace agreement with Naga rebel groups will be signed. Everyone should make up their minds to create a conducive atmosphere for welcoming the new dawn of peaceful and progressive Nagaland," he was quoted by PTI. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that the festival contributes immensely in enhancing tourism in Nagaland as it gathers strength with every edition.
"It is one of the largest indigenous festivals wherein the uniqueness of our culture and its diversity is showcased in all its grandeur," he said.
Principal Director of Health Department Neikhrielie Khimiao appealed to the people attending the festival to follow the guidelines strictly. Special COVID Care Management Centres have been set up in Kohima, Dimapur and Mon - the three main entry points, he said.
He also said that a medical team will be stationed at the main venue in Naga Heritage Village in Kisama with facilities for vaccination, screening and testing kits.
The Tourism Department has already been asked to screen incoming visitors, he said.
Advisory has been issued for ensuring that mask is worn by all, visitors are vaccinated and hand wash points are set up at different locations, he added. If the guidelines are strictly followed, coronavirus can be kept in check but if the public becomes careless, a super-spreading event can take place, he said, replying to a question.
Any suspected sample from visitors during the festival would be directly sent for genome sequencing, he said, amid fears of the omicron variant.
The Hornbill Festival, which will continue till December 10, showcases the colourful tradition and cultural diversity of 17 Naga tribes. The main event will be held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, 12 km away from the state capital Kohima. The major events will include the Hornbill Music Festival, Nagaland Literature Festival and Nagaland Film Festival, mountain biking, and the Hornbill Bamboo Festival. Other programmes, especially adventure tourism, Naga style wrestling, cross-country race, will be spread across at least four districts.