The week-long annual Hornbill festival displaying various facets of Naga life and culture came to a close on Wednesday with spectacular display of fire-works held at the Kisama Heritage village in Kohima. The festival had begun with the observation of the 49th statehood day of Nagaland on 1st December. AIR correspondent reports that Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is a cultural extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of the Naga Heritage, while for the visitors, this event is a means for a comprehensive understanding of Naga people, their land and culture. Over the years, this event has gained in stature and scale and has now become a unique platform for the tourist to witness the cultural diversity of the Nagas and also the North East India. The festival this year witnessed participation of cultural troupes from the State as well as from all the north eastern states. Mainly designed to promote tourism in the state through providing a platform to exchange and display Naga cultural heritage, it has recorded a good number of domestic and international tourists visiting the state during the festival. Among many exciting events that took place during the weeklong festival and which attracted maximum participant by young people from across the State and country is the National Rock Contest which has seen a record number of entrant competing for the title carrying a cash prize of rupees 5 lakh, one of the highest rock contest prize money in the country. Out of 24 bands, Nine bands including one from Nagaland will vie against each other for the coveted Hornbill National Rock Contest title. The much talked about the hottest competition, the Naga chilli eating competition and Hornbill World War II vintage car rally has seen even foreign tourists daring to participate. Also in the capital town of Kohima a week-long Night Carnival is hosted to facilitate people taste the festivity and variety of food items complimented by fun and gaiety.