Shekhawat Inaugurates Hornbill Festival’s First Mon Edition

Overview

• Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat virtually opened the three-day Mon programme at the Konyak Heritage Complex in Mon town.
• Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation’s third and final Frontier Nagaland Territory draft has been submitted to the Centre and voiced optimism about its consideration.
• Organisers reported 138,590 visitors since December 1, including 2,028 foreign tourists, 41,160 domestic tourists and 113,685 local visitors, with a single-day peak of 24,923 on Sunday.
• The Mon inaugural highlighted Konyak Anghship traditions and crafts, while Rio launched a Traditional Cuisine and Artists’ Corner and visited the Angh Museum and departmental stalls, alongside indigenous games.
• At Kisama’s Naga Heritage Village, Day 8 showcased an extensive line-up of dances, folk songs, games and rituals by multiple tribal troupes as the festival runs December 1–10 with international participation.