Nagaland to host mini-Hornbill festival in all districts

KOHIMA, April 20, 2018: People's Democratic Alliance (PDA) cabinet has decided to hold 'Mini-Hornbill Festivals' in all the districts, coinciding with the respective tribal festivals.

The decision to this effect was taken during the cabinet meeting held on April 16, as a follow-up to the chief minister's proposal in his budget speech.

In this regard, respective tribal hohos have been tasked to organize the 'mini-hornbill', culminating to the main Hornbill Festival which is the "Festival of Festivals," a DIPR report stated.

Accordingly, the cabinet has proposed to hold the mini-Hornbill Festivals district-wise.

Mokokchung (Moatsu festival in May), Zunheboto (Tuluni festival in July), Tuensang (Naknyuelem festival in July), Shamatore/Pungro (Medumneo festival in August), Kiphire (Mongmong festival in September), Noklak (Tsokum festival in October), Meluri (Yemshe festival in October), Wokha (Tokhu Emong festival in November), Tseminyu (Ngada festival in November), Phek (Sukrunye festival in January), Dimapur (Mimkut festival in January), Kohima (Sekrenyi festival in February), Peren (Meileingi festival in March), Mon (Aoleang Monyu festival in April) and Longleng (Monyu festival in April).

In consultation with the tribal hohos, the DCs will fix the dates to hold the festivals, which will normally be for three days in district Hqs and one or two days in sub-divisional Hqs depending on the nature of the festivals, it said.

All DCs have been asked to constitute a committee with the involvement of Tourism department and Art & Culture department to organize the events, with two representatives each from the tribal hoho and from the community; nominated by the government. DCs can also associate any other member as per requirement.

It has been proposed that the basic structure of the Festival will include cultural performances of at least three villages, cultural performances from at least two other tribes, cultural performances from neighboring states and other states from mainland, handicrafts exhibition and music festival by local and outstation bands, sports, adventure sports and traditional sports.

It was also decided that the financial package for the three-day event will be Rs. 15 lakhs and Rs. 10 lakhs and 5 lakhs each for two-day and one-day festival. The committee will raise funds through sponsorships, as also grants from relevant ministries and departments of Government of India.

On the other hand, the best performers from the mini-Hornbill Festivals will be invited to perform at the annual Hornbill Festival held in December. Similarly, winners of the music events will also qualify for the final auditions of the Hornbill Music Festival.

A detailed action-plan for the mini-Hornbill Festivals will be prepared by the Tourism department, DIPR stated.

Source: The Nagaland Post

Image Courtesy: Outlook India