Nagaland became the 16th State of the Indian Union on December 1, 1963, and is all set to celebrate it's 54th Statehood Day and the 18th Hornbill festival 2017 today at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. 

Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is held in the first week of December every year. It unites all the Naga tribes who showcase their culture, food and art to the people. Special rock concerts are organized every evening. Chilly eating competition and night markets are the crucial attractions for the locals and tourists. President Ram Nath Kovind will grace the occasion by inaugurating the 10 day State Hornbill festival 2017. Yesterday, on his arrival at Kohima, he was accorded the Guard of Honour by the Assam Rifles. He was invited to Raj Bhavan at Kohima by Chief Minister T R Zeliang and his Cabinet colleagues. 

The route that takes to Kisama which is 12 km away from The Capital City was all decorated to give a festive feeling to all present there for the special occasion.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greets people of Nagaland on their statehood day. In a tweet, he said,  "On the occasion of their Statehood Day, I convey my greetings to the people of Nagaland. This state is blessed with immense natural beauty and industrious citizens." 

He also added, "I pray that the state scales new heights of development in the times to come."

So today Naga Heritage Village, Kisama is all set to celebrate and enjoy the Hornbill Festival.