Hornbill Bamboo Carnival 2024 organised by NBDA began at Bamboo Amphitheater, Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre on December 5. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, December 5 (MExN): The Hornbill Bamboo Carnival 2024, organised by the Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA), began at the Bamboo Amphitheater, Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre, Sovima, Chümoukedima, on December 5.
The event was inaugurated by Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), stated a DIPR report.
In his address, Abu Metha commended the NBDA for its dedication to promoting bamboo as a vital resource for sustainable innovation and development. He emphasised its role in fostering economic growth and creating opportunities for the people of Nagaland.
Metha noted that Chümoukedima district, poised for significant growth in the coming decade, would play a key role in connecting India to the ASEAN region through major infrastructure projects. He emphasised that Chümoukedima, which represents unity across the tribes of Nagaland, serves as a model for regional cooperation, offering limitless opportunities for youth and economic growth.
The Advisor stressed the festival’s economic impact, sharing insights from an independent study which revealed that the event generated substantial revenue and new employment opportunities. Metha highlighted that in just 10 days, the Hornbill Festival brought in Rs 108 crore and created over 8,500 jobs. He noted that the festival has grown from being a cultural celebration to an important platform for promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the aspirations of Naga youth.
In his remarks, Metha pointed to the growing importance of bamboo for the state, underlining the Chief Minister’s vision of making bamboo an ambassador for Nagaland. He explained that bamboo has been central to Naga life for generations, used for everything from agriculture to construction, and that it holds great potential for the state’s economic future. He highlighted the ongoing partnerships with national and international organizations, including upcoming collaborations with experts from Taiwan on bamboo technology, and with a master craftsman from Japan, who will conduct workshops with local artisans. These efforts are expected to improve livelihoods and enhance the Naga economy.
Metha conveyed his gratitude to the Government of Japan, Japanese Embassy and Ambassador of Japan for their support in the bamboo initiatives, noting that such international collaborations are essential for the growth of Nagaland’s bamboo industry.
Dr Tolto Metha, Mission Director of NBDA, presented a detailed note on the carnival, highlighting bamboo’s significance as a sustainable resource and its applications in various industries.
Reflecting on the journey of the carnival, Tolto shared that the idea was first conceived in 2012 with the vision to empower rural communities, alleviate poverty, and engage people from various fields in the bamboo industry.
He noted that this year’s carnival hosted around 200 entrepreneurs, showcasing not only bamboo crafts but also innovations in music, arts, and the food industry. He emphasised how this reflects the versatility of bamboo as a resource and its potential to inspire creativity and entrepreneurship.
He expressed his gratitude to the special dignitaries present, and thanked the team from Japan who would conduct workshops during the carnival and remarked that their presence highlighted the growing global recognition of the event.
He concluded by encouraging everyone to enjoy the three days of festivities, which include music, food, art, and workshops. He assured the attendees that the carnival could be extended if there was sufficient public demand.
The programme began with invocation by Rev Zhau Sanchu, Principal, Hope Institute of Theology, with welcome address delivered by Albert Ezung, Mission Director, NBDA.
Ezung acknowledged the presence of three guests from Japan Hirokazu Matsumoto, a renowned bamboo artist, Ryuta Saito, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Japan in India, Kuniaki Yazawa, an official from JICA India. A special song by Akokla Langu and a Traditional Kuki Bamboo Dance by the Bungsang Village Cultural Group added a touch of cultural vibrancy to the event.
The carnival also marked the launch of exhibition stalls showcasing a wide range of innovative bamboo-based products. Live demonstrations featured bamboo crafts from Tuli Bamboo Cluster, handicrafts from BAM Hub, sustainable energy solutions like Longmi Bamboo Charcoal Briquettes, bamboo-based jewelry by Akami, unique bamboo products from Native Product Industrial, dry flower arrangements by Nobody Talie, handicrafts by The Naga Feather Pvt Limited, bamboo-based items by Sera Self-Help Group, crafts by the Craft and Development Society, bamboo innovations by Bamboo Concept, and Japanese bamboo artistry by Matsumoto.
The exhibition and demonstrations will be open to the public daily from December 5 to 7, between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM.
