Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar had inaugurated the 23rd edition of Hornbill Festival at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama near the state capital, Kohima. The Vice President, sounded the Inauguration Gong along with the Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio to declare the “Festival of Festivals” open.

Dhankhar, who arrived on his maiden tour to Nagaland as the Vice President, was felicitated with Tsiiphie (traditional Naga headgear) and Amula kaxa (Naga shawl) at the opening ceremony. Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said that India is a land of culture and Indians are proud of their tribal culture.

Hon'ble Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar & Dr Sudesh Dhankhar witnessing the cultural presentation- 'This is Nagaland' at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. #HornbillFestival pic.twitter.com/JLvHFfHutQ

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) December 1, 2022

Praising Nagas for their unique culture and glorious history, Dhankhar 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.

Hon'ble Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar sounding the #HornbillFestival inauguration gong along with Hon'ble Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri. Neiphiu Rio at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. @Neiphiu_Rio @jagdishmukhi pic.twitter.com/XPG3sAPxFT

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) December 1, 2022

Lauding Nagaland for having lowest crime rate against the women in the country, the Vice President said that the state is showing way in women empowerment.

Noting that India has assumed the presidency of G-20, 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 this occasion, Vice President also released a postage stamp to commemorate the festival.

Hon'ble Vice President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar & Dr Sudesh Dhankhar visiting the Morungs at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama today. Hon'ble Governor of Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi & Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri. Neiphiu Rio were also present. #HornbillFestival pic.twitter.com/wtZp4ZKZVz

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) December 1, 2022

After inauguration of Hornbill Festival, Dhankhar visited Art Gallery and Morungs at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.