The 3rd edition of the Autumn Festival, a prelude to the 25th Hornbill Festival, was inaugurated at Nagaland House on Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi. The event was hosted by Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education for the Government of Nagaland.
Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and Social Justice and Empowerment, B. L. Verma, graced the occasion alongside Mugdha Sinha, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, who served as the chief guest. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru to India, was present as an honoured guest.
In his address, Temjen Imna Along emphasized the importance of the Autumn Festival as a countdown to the Hornbill Festival. He urged the 17 Naga tribes to unite and prepare for the grand celebration, which will take place from December 1-10, 2024, at Kisama. Describing the Hornbill Festival as more than just an event, he called it a platform for building bonds, earning trust, and celebrating the rich Naga culture. Along also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Peru as the Country Partner for their support of the festival.
Mugdha Sinha lauded the persistence of the Naga people in continuing the Hornbill Festival, now in its 25th edition. She highlighted the festival’s international appeal, with bands and nations keen to participate, and praised Nagaland’s commitment to promoting sustainability through the harmonious integration of nature and culture. Sinha thanked the Naga community for sharing their traditions, including local cuisines, music, and textiles, with visitors from across India and beyond.
Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, Commissioner & Secretary of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, delivered the welcome address. Guests were treated to a rich cultural experience, featuring a performance by the Ao Naga Choir, traditional songs by Ao students, a fashion show showcasing Naga traditional attire, and a traditional Naga wrestling match. The DGP Band also performed during the event.
The Autumn Festival, organized by the Tourism Department of Nagaland in collaboration with the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi, will continue until October 20, 2024.
Photo captions:
1. Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru, inaugurating the stalls at the 3rd Autumn Festival 2024, Nagaland House, New Delhi.
2. Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Mugdha Sinha IAS, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, and Ambassador Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde viewing a demonstration of traditional basket making during the event.
