From “an almost-international event” to “event for the elite” – The Hornbill Festival spectrum

In Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, the countdown to the much-awaited Hornbill Festival has begun, with the government leaving no stone unturned in its preparation for the grand celebrations set to unfold from December 1 to 10 in Kisama Village, Kohima. Coinciding with this fervor, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Nagaland Legislators Park in Kisama today, revealing the Roll of Honor of the Members of NLA from 1964 till date.

Earlier today, Chief Minister Rio declared Assam as the ‘State partner’ for the festival, fostering cultural exchange between the neighboring states. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma responded by directing a delegation of talented performers and artists to represent Assam. On November 23, Chief Minister Rio also announced the United States of America and Germany as the ‘Country Partners,’ with Colombia serving as the ‘Country Partner’ for the Hornbill Music Festival.

Sebastian Zumvü, Chairman of Sovima Village Council, reflected on the festival’s evolution, stating, “Initially, Hornbill aimed to unite the Naga People on a common platform to celebrate their heritage. Over the years, it evolved from a national to an international event. The participation of three countries – Colombia, USA, and Germany – alongside Nagaland as co-partners in Hornbill Festival 2023 is a testament that the festival has indeed gone universal.”

Zumvü also recollected how the festival’s concept may have originated during Dr SC Jamir’s tenure in 1999 and noted that the festival’s inaugural venue was Khuochiezie (Local Ground) in Kohima. However, due to traffic congestion and logistical challenges, the venue was relocated to its current site.

Expressing the festival’s benefits for the state, Zumvü remarked, “I am given to understand from an independent study last year that the festival generated a staggering amount of 100+ crores for local entrepreneurs in the preceding year. Isn’t this beneficial?”

The festival, he emphasized, has turned into a global showcase of Naga culture, attracting attention to their rich traditions, ethnic diversity, and unique culinary practices. However, the festival faces challenges, notably inadequate infrastructure at the current site, which Zumvü deemed too small for “an almost-international” event. Proposing solutions, he suggested expanding to neighboring areas, promoting Mokokchung as a ‘Music Venue,’ the ENPO area as a ‘Culture Capital,’ and positioning Peren as an eco-tourism destination and so on.

However, Zumvü remained hopeful as he recognized positive government initiatives, including IDAN signing Nagaland Tourism Connect Scheme with the State Bank of India at Chumoukedima today. This initiative aims to provide loans to local entrepreneurs and facilitate the transportation and communication services to the needs of high-end guests.

Beyond Kohima, Tokavi Suu, Principal of Cornerstone Higher Secondary School in Zunheboto, reflects on the transformative impact of the Hornbill Festival on the Nagas, bringing them global recognition.

“It has also broadened our awareness of life beyond our state,” Suu remarked, noting that it remains a source of income for many earnest young individuals, particularly in other towns such as Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung.

“Most income is generated through hotels and homestays, promoting a better lifestyle. Personally, I have noticed hotels and homestays in Kohima and Mokokchung becoming much cleaner because many tourists prioritize hygiene,” he added. Suu highlighted how the festival, besides being an economic driver, has prompted Nagas to pay more attention to traditions, culture, and biodiversity conservation.

However, Suu acknowledges that some sections of the population perceive the festival as “promoting immoral activities.” Therefore, he hopes that the festival will be promoted on a secure scale, with comprehensive control and professional organization.

Expressing concern, Suu suggests that the government may be exceeding its financial capacity for Hornbill Festival maintenance and, therefore, proposes a consistent year-round maintenance approach rather than focusing only on “touch-up works” as the festival approaches.

“The places are left in deplorable conditions during other parts of the year,” Suu added, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach.

ALSO READ: Hornbill Festival perspectives from beyond state borders

Meanwhile, Gugu Haralu, RJ at the Community radio station 90.8 Hills FM in Dimapur, recognizes the positive impact of the Hornbill Festival, highlighting how it has inspired other states in the Northeast to create their own festival calendars, providing an integrated experience for tourists to explore the NE region holistically.

However, Haralu expressed a sense of lament over the changing dynamics of people’s enthusiasm for and participation in the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. While she acknowledges the festival’s regional, national, and global recognition, she noted a decline in the level of wholehearted engagement from the public compared to the festival’s initial years.

Haralu called for a renewed sense of ownership from the people, urging a more proactive role from the public, with the government playing a supportive role without burdening the state coffers as it has done in the past.

“The public must understand the intention of the Festival and appreciate the state for creating a collective space to come together as people, but are we truly contributing to the spirit of oneness from our end willingly?” she contemplates.

“I strongly believe it’s time to revisit the journey of the festival — what are we gaining, and what are we losing? It’s crucial for all of us to collectively reflect on our roles as citizens of the state and as stakeholders in this cultural celebration.”

In Tuensang, student Chongshenmongba C Chang emphasized the festival’s benefits including cultural promotion, a boost in tourism, economic benefits to local artisans and craftsmen, small businesses, and global exposure.

However, Chang views that there are existing challenges, with one of them being “inclusivity.” He sees a growing perception that the festival caters more to the affluent, becoming an “event for the elite.” Therefore, he suggests that the government remains accessible to all segments of society, bridging the gap between the rich and the less privileged.

Chang also proposes that the government involves local communities more actively, ensuring that benefits are distributed equitably. He suggests that ticket prices be subsidized, community events be organized, and smaller communities be given the opportunity to actively participate in the festival.

“Simultaneously, efforts should be directed towards improving infrastructure within the state. While showcasing Naga culture to the world, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being of other backward districts too, ensuring that basic amenities are accessible to all,” added Chang.

As the Hornbill Festival nears, excitement fills the air, sparking conversations about heritage, identity, and collective responsibility. Amidst a vibrant blend of traditions, the festival weaves together Nagaland’s past, present, and future, creating a rich cultural heritage.

Mokokchung Times