PM Modi playing a traditional Naga instrument on the opening day of Hornbill festival at Kisama village in Nagaland (PTI photo)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Hornbill festival of Nagaland, an annual 10-day tourism promotional extravaganza.
PM Modi, wearing a traditional Naga headgear, declared the festival open by beating the traditional Naga gong three times at the picturesque heritage village of Kisama, around 12 kilometres south of the state capital.
Coined as the "festival of festivals", Hornbill (name of a revered bird by the Nagas), is an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and culture in their entirety. Notably, it is also supported by the Centre as one of the biggest indigenous festivals of the country.
Chief Angh ('king') of Mon village, Wangyeih Konyak invoked the traditional blessing followed by a colourful presentation by various artists.
A sizable number of tourists from abroad and other parts of the country are present here to witness the festival often termed as the "window to Nagaland".
The attraction of the day was the 'Naga king chilli' eating competition.
Besides the festivities at Kisama, visitors can also enjoy the Hornbill International Rock Contest at Indira Gandhi Stadium and watch the live performance of the legendary band from England, Smokie, on December 3.