Why in News?
The Hornbill Festival 2024 is being celebrated from December 1 to 10, 2024, at the Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, Nagaland. This year marks the 25th edition of the festival. This is a major cultural event showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes.
Highlights of Hornbill Festival 2024:
- Date and Location: December 1-10, 2024 at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, Nagaland.
- Theme for 2024: Cultural Convergence – Celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Nagaland.
- Main Attractions: Traditional dances, wrestling, archery, fashion shows, food stalls, and more.
- Special Exhibit: A collaboration with the National Archives of India titled “Naga Land and People in the Mirror of Archives”, showcasing the region’s historical and cultural practices.
About the Hornbill Festival
- Annual Celebration: The Hornbill Festival is an annual, 10-day cultural extravaganza that began in 2000.
- Purpose: It promotes inter-tribal interaction and aims to preserve and showcase Nagaland’s rich heritage.
- Organized By: The event is organized by the Nagaland Government’s Tourism and Art & Culture Departments.
- Location: Held at Kisama Heritage Village, located about 12 km from Kohima.
Significance of the Hornbill Bird
- The Hornbill Festival is named after the Hornbill bird, a symbol deeply embedded in Naga folklore and culture.
- Great Hornbill is one of the most iconic species, found in Northeastern India and Southeast Asia.
- The bird is associated with several tribes’ customs and beliefs and has a prominent role in their rituals and festivities.
Key Features of the Festival
- Traditional Performances: The festival highlights traditional dances, songs, and rituals from different tribes of Nagaland.
- Cuisine and Handicrafts: Visitors can explore local food stalls and handicraft exhibits, providing a taste of Nagaland’s unique lifestyle.
- Sports and Competitions: The festival hosts traditional events like Naga wrestling, archery, and various cultural contests.
- Music and Fashion: Alongside traditional performances, there are fashion shows and musical events that bring modern and traditional influences together.
Unique Aspects of the 2024 Hornbill Festival
- Collaboration with National Archives: This year, the festival features a special exhibition called “Naga Land and People in the Mirror of Archives“, developed with the National Archives of India. This exhibit offers a deeper look into the history and cultural practices of the Naga tribes.
- Emphasis on Unity: The festival is often referred to as the “Festival of Festivals”, symbolizing unity among the diverse tribes of Nagaland, who each bring their unique cultural contributions to the event.
|
Conservation of the Hornbill
|
The Hornbill Festival draws thousands of tourists, both domestic and international, each year, significantly boosting the local tourism industry. Visitors come to experience the unique cultural performances, local crafts, traditional food, and the vibrant atmosphere of Nagaland. By attracting a large number of visitors, the festival helps showcase Nagaland’s diverse culture and natural beauty.
Explore our Books: https://apnipathshala.com/product-category/books/
Explore Our test Series: https://tests.apnipathshala.com/
