The People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) cabinet has approved the introduction of mini-hornbill festivals in all the districts of Nagaland coinciding with the tribal festivals, according to a DIPR report.
The cabinet extended its approval on April 16, it stated. During his budget speech, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had proposed to promote tribal festivals in the form of mini-hornbill festivals. Accordingly the cabinet has proposed to organise the mini-hornbill festivals according to the following schedule: (see table)
“The actual dates of the festival will be decided by the deputy commissioners in consultation with the tribal hohos. A committee will be constituted by the respective deputy commissioners of the districts with involvement of Tourism Department & Art and Culture Department for organizing the festivals. The committee will have representation of 2 members each from the tribal hoho and from the community; nominated by the government. The deputy commissioner will associate any other member as per requirement.
“The mini-hornbill festivals will normally be for 3 days in district headquarter and for 2 days in the sub-division headquarter or for 1 day depending on the nature of the festivals. The actual duration of the mini hornbill festivals will be decided by the respective deputy commissioners in consultation with the tribal hohos,” it informed.
The festivals will include cultural performances of at least 3 villages; at least 2 other tribes; from neighbouring as well as other states; handicrafts exhibition and music festival by local and outstation bands, sports: adventure sports and traditional sports, it stated.
“Financial support will be provided for organising the festivals; 15 lakhs for three- day festival and Rs 10 lakhs and 5 lakhs each for two-day and one-day festival. The district level committee will raise funds through sponsorships, as also grants from relevant ministries and departments of government of India.
“The best performers from the mini-hornbill festivals will be invited to perform at the main Hornbill Festival, in December. Likewise the winners of the music events will qualify for the final auditions of the Hornbill Music Festival. A detailed action-plan will be prepared by the department of Tourism for organising the mini hornbill festival,” it stated.