In 2018, the annual Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, India, attracted people from all over the world. Organized by the Union Home Minister, this 10-day event occurs annually at the onset of December. The festival is a celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural diversity and unique community ties.
The Hornbill Festival: An Overview
Named after the Great Indian Hornbill, a bird that features prominently in Naga folklore and tribal attire, the Hornbill festival showcases the tribal cultures and traditions of Nagaland. Interestingly, Nagaland’s state bird is not the Hornbill, but the lesser-known and endangered Blyth’s Tragopan.
The festival takes place in Kisama, located near Nagaland’s capital city Kohima, from December 1-10. This period coincides with Nagaland Statehood Day on December 1. Inviting tribes and sub-tribes from different regions of Nagaland, it offers a platform to display the best of their community through dances, songs, literature, and food. People from around the globe come together, giving them a chance to experience protected areas with restricted entry without compromising on local ethics and traditions.
Tribal Tourism and Major Tribes of Nagaland
The Hornbill festival is an excellent example of tribal tourism. The major tribes of Nagaland include Ao, Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sumi, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Yimchungrü, Kuki, Zeliang, and Pochury.
| Tribes of Nagaland |
|---|
| Ao |
| Angami |
| Chang |
| Konyak |
| Lotha |
Cope India 2018
Following the Hornbill festival, the United States and Indian Air Forces participated in a 12-day joint exercise called ‘Cope India 2018’. This exercise was held after an eight-year hiatus, with the previous one occurring in 2010. Cope India 2018 aimed to provide operational exposure and share best practices to enhance operational capability.
The Saharia Tribe
The Saharia or Sahariya Tribe is one of the most backward tribes in India, residing mainly in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Despite their status as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), they celebrate various Hindu festivals and worship many Hindu gods and goddesses.
Talanoa Dialogue
Launched in Germany at the UN Climate Change Conference COP-23 in 2017, the Talanoa Dialogue promotes inclusive, participatory, and transparent discussions. Derived from Fijian tradition, Talanoa encourages the sharing of stories, skills, and experiences for collective decision-making.
Food Sustainability Index (FSI)
Developed by The Economist Intelligence Unit in collaboration with the Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition, the Food Sustainability Index (FSI) evaluates the sustainability of national food systems. The index scores countries based on food loss & waste, sustainable agriculture, and nutritional challenges. In the 2018 FSI, India ranked 33rd among 67 countries, noteworthy for preventing food loss and wastage, but performed below average in sustainable agriculture and faced significant challenges in nutrition.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024