Kohima/New Delhi, Dec 1 (UNI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama near the state capital of Nagaland, Kohima.
The VP sounded the Inauguration Gong along with Nagaland Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to declare the "Festival of Festivals" open.
Dhankhar, who arrived on his maiden tour to Nagaland as the VP, was felicitated with Tsiiphie (traditional Naga headgear) and Amula kaxa (Naga shawl) at the opening ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Dhankar said that India is a land of culture and Indians are proud of their tribal culture.
Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, the VP said, "I salute tribal culture. I salute tribal energy."
Describing natural beauty of the state as enchanting, he underlined that the state has great tourism potential which needs to be tapped fully.
Lauding Nagaland for having lowest crime rate against the women in the country, the VP said that the state is showing way in women empowerment.
Noting that India has assumed the presidency of G-20 from today, Dhankhar said that the world will be able to experience Naga hospitality when a meeting of G20 will be held in the state in April next year.
On the occasion, the VP also released a postage stamp to commemorate the festival.
After inauguration of Hornbill Festival, the VP visited Art Gallery and Morungs at Naga Heritage Village.
Earlier in the day, the VP took to twitter and greeted the people of Nagaland on their statehood day.
"Heartiest greetings to the people of Nagaland on their statehood day," he tweet.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to the micro blogging site to extend their warm wishes to the people of Nagaland.
"Best wishes to the people of Nagaland on their Statehood Day. India takes great pride in the culture of Nagaland, which emphasises on courage, hardwork and living in harmony with nature. I pray for the continuous success of Nagaland in the years to come," the PM wrote.
UNI DS SHK2310