Yes:
• Yes it is improving in some areas but it is disappointing to see how economic and political privilege is creeping in with exclusive areas only for VIP tourists. This trend will discourage many international tourists who have a distain for exclusive tourism.
• Yes, there is some improvement. When tourists come, they are looking for authentic morungs and Naga traditional handicrafts and food. They are not looking for modern stuff, but for traditional authentic things. This should be a reminder for all those taking part in this festival.
• Yes, the quality of talent has improved but it needs some professional inputs especially in the choreography. It is still very raw and elementary. The conceptual ideas need some more creativity which will bring the rich Naga heritage out in display.
• Yes, there has been a marked improvement in the organising of the events. I have been a frequent visitor and it is so good to see that it is progressing. One suggestion to the organisers is that the policy of having a chief quest and this VIP culture in the Hornbill Festival should be stopped. For the opening and closing day of the festival it is okay to have a chief quest but for the other days it is pointless.
• Nagaland has no much touristic places compared to other states which get lots of tourist. So hornbill festival is a good exposure.
• Increasing number of foreign tourists each year and improvement of cultural activities in the festival
• “YES" After all our state has nothing good to be well known or to offer besides HORNBILL festival, so why not improve...it is improving but definitely needs to improve....
No:
• More and more un-Nagas are taking place. It is no longer a Naga family affair. Let the government take control so before long the hornbill will be truly international event with vast number of non Naga events and Morung taking up place in Nagaland. What you see here is nothing but government in control not people event.
• The significance of hornbill festivals is misinterpreted. Hornbill has become the festival of the wealthy.
• No. By now the Hornbill Festival should be self-sustaining and the communities should be able to organise this without the Government sponsoring the entire festival. This is one of the major weakness of the policy. Tourism will grow only when it is self-sustaining.
• No. The Hornbill Festival is becoming too diluted because there is too many adjustments being made to include unknown bands from different countries. Hornbill Festival should be kept authentically a cultural festival. It is okay to get cultural groups from different countries because it also exposes Nagas to other people's cultures and tradition. But just getting rock bands for the sake of it is not good because it dilutes the cultural authenticity of the festival.
• No, not in terms of the content of the substance. The performance has improved but the content has remained the same. We keep seeing the same theme being repeated again and again. There is no new creativity.
• I feel it's the same each year. Nothing new or extravagant. But at the same time it's a traditional fest at the first place so can't expect any new trend either.
• Honestly it has just become a platform for local businesses to grow in Nagaland. The concept of proper exposure of culture and food arrangements a lot more to do honestly. Tourists hotels availability is very less. And Yes the rates in the carnival is very very unaffordable for many. The state management should look into all this.
• Actually food price should reduce but sky rocketing prices. Per plate of rice cost Rs 400 unbelievable.
• One of the tourists was complaining about veg thali costing 800. He feels like he eating 1 weeks food in one day ₹ 800 veg must be golden Alu n serve in golden plate. if it’s true reduce the amount n sell more ! It takes time to become rich not in ten days!
• No. The commentator during the Hornbill Festival has been a mockery. They sound very fake with their accent. There should be better commentators with better English and also knowledge. They should know what they are talking about and speak in their natural accent.
• No. The quality of music performers should have been screened. There are better singers and bands in Nagaland who deserve equal chance to perform. TaFMA should do a better job in the selection of musicians.
• No. The content is the same over the years.
• No, there are too many chief hosts and co-chief hosts and too many VIPs. This is not like a tourism festival. It looks more like a political gimmick.
• No. The Hornbill Festival is becoming more diluted. The performances are becoming more commercialised because we are performing according to what the tourists want to see rather than presenting what is authentic.
• No, it has become very commercialised. It has not promoted Naga culture.
• A Government run enterprise to honour each other, not a public event as there are VIP stands etc. foreign influence leads to foreign culture. overcharging of food items lack of toilets, some events are getting worse.
Others:
• Overall it gives a glimpse to the culture of the Nagas. The quality of narration requires improvement. The diction is not clear and the substance of the narration content needs looking into.
• I am a tourist who appreciates the bright colors and rich heritage of the Hornbill Festival. I am also very sad by the vast economic and wealth gap between the very rich and the remaining society which is glaring during the society. This depicts how the society is still far behind.
• The Hornbill festival is such an opportunity to really display the splendor of our culture. But you can see the Indianisation and westernisation creep in and take over the festival. This takes away Naganess of Hornbill.
• Not necessary to conduct every year. It becomes monotonous and boring. It should have a gap of 3 yrs atleast.
• Lest we forget: Dec 4 2021, Oting, Nagaland Killings by Indian Army, Centre Government denied Justice to those 14 killed. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Martin Luther King.
• Too much festivals in Nagaland. Need to balance it.
