Nagaland Hornbill festival shows the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat': Rajnath Singh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that the Nagaland Hornbill festival shows the spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat'. Rajnath Singh inaugurated the festival which got off to a colourful start at the picturesque Naga heritage village Kisama, about 12 km from the state capital in Nagaland on Saturday.

Day one of the fest saw the inauguration of a handloom and handicraft fair, adventure activities and an international photo festival among other events.

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Started in 2000, Hornbill festival also known as "festival of festivals" is an annual tourism promotional event of the Nagaland government.

Rajnath Singh said, “the spectacular event showcases the rich ancient culture and civilization of the people of Nagaland.”

“It is a festival that offers a unique opportunity to the different tribes of the state to interact not just with each other but also with those from the neighbouring states in the true spirit of 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat',” Singh said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had initiated the concept of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. The fest powerfully demonstrates the diversity of Naga people, Singh said, adding that each tribe is proudly unique in its cultural richness.

"This spectacular demonstration of unity in diversity is what India is all about," the home minister said, stating that he got a glimpse of the Indian spirit of "happy and peaceful co-existence" at the fest.

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Maintaining that Nagaland was geographically located at a vantage point, being the gateway to the Southeast Asia, he said the northeast was the pivot of the Centre's 'Act East' policy.

The central government was determined to build and improve connectivity and engagement with southeast Asia, he said, adding that India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) were partners in growth.

With the restoration of peace in the region, the northeast was emerging as a favoured destination for business and tourism, Singh said, adding steps were also being taken for speedy development of the eight states, including Nagaland.

(With PTI inputs)