Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival 2024, Theme and Nyishi Tribe

9th Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival 2024 in Arunachal Pradesh, from January 18-20, 2024, underscores the region's commitment to hornbill preservation. Also Know about Nyishi Tribe.

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Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival 2024

Arunachal Pradesh is gearing up for the 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival 2024 (PPHF), underscoring the region’s dedication to wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on the preservation of hornbills. Taking place from January 18-20, 2024, in Seijosa within the Pakke Kessang district, this festival serves as a collective platform for diverse communities to join forces in safeguarding these emblematic birds and fostering environmental awareness.

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival Overview

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival Overview
Inaugural Year	2015
Primary Objective	Recognizing Nyishi tribe’s role in hornbill conservation within Pakke Tiger Reserve.
2024 Theme	“Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh”
Theme Translation	‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in Nyishi.
Theme Emphasis	Imperative need for hornbill preservation.
Conservation Focus	Broad conservation goals, highlighting the ecological significance of iconic hornbill species.
Symbolic Message	A resounding call for safeguarding hornbills and maintaining their intrinsic role in the ecosystem.
Cultural Celebration	Showcasing diverse cultural festivities of Nyishi tribe.
Location & Duration	Seijosa, Pakke Kessang district; January 18-20, 2024.

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Inception and Goals of Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival

Established in 2015, the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) has a distinct mission: acknowledging the pivotal contribution of the Nyishi tribe to hornbill conservation within the Pakke Tiger Reserve.

Going beyond mere cultural celebrations, the festival is dedicated to forging alternative income streams, diverting communities from detrimental activities such as hunting and logging. This initiative reflects a commitment to sustainable practices and economic activities that harmonize with nature.

Moreover, the PPHF serves as a vital platform for generating national awareness about the natural marvels encompassed by the Pakke Tiger Reserve and its adjoining landscapes. By doing so, it strives to instill a sense of responsibility and appreciation for the region’s ecological treasures among a broader audience.

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival for Wildlife Conservation

Hornbill Diversity at Pakke Tiger Reserve

Within the confines of the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Arunachal Pradesh, a rich tapestry of hornbill species thrives. Among these, the Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied, and the endangered Rufous-necked hornbill find sanctuary, showcasing the reserve’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Nyishi Tribal Stewardship

At the heart of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival lies a profound recognition of the Nyishi community, Arunachal Pradesh’s largest tribal group. Celebrated for their pivotal role in hornbill conservation, the Nyishi people have evolved from hunters of hornbills to passionate advocates, marking a transformative journey towards the preservation of these magnificent birds.

Diversification of Income Streams

Beyond the festival’s cultural exuberance, a significant objective is to establish alternative sources of income for the region. The Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) serves as a catalyst for economic development, aiming to uplift local communities. Simultaneously, it strives to raise awareness about the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) and its ecological surroundings, fostering a sustainable balance between economic progress and environmental preservation.

Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR): Nature’s Abode

Aspect	Details
Location	East Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
Former Name	Pakhui Tiger Reserve (renamed in 2001)
Project Tiger Status	Yes (as a Project Tiger site)
Area	862 km²
Safeguarding Authority	Department of Environment and Forest of Arunachal Pradesh
Flora	Lowland semi-evergreen, evergreen, and Eastern Himalayan broadleaf forests
Woody Species	343 species, including a diverse array of orchids
Fauna	Over 40 mammal species, 296 bird species (including the globally endangered white-winged wood duck)
Biodiversity Status	Biodiversity hotspot with an estimated 500 butterfly species, various reptiles, and amphibians
Conservation Initiatives	Nyishi community actively participates in wildlife protection; contributes to Ghora Aabhe Society

Nyishi Tribe: Guardians of Tradition and Nature

Aspect	Details
Demographics	Around 300,000 individuals
Language	Nyishi language (Sino-Tibetan family) is central to identity
Social Structure	Polygyny reflects social status and economic stability; diminishing with modernization
Descent	Patrilineal descent; community divided into several clans
Economy	Engaged in jhum cultivation, cultivating paddy, maize, ginger, and various vegetables
Traditional Practices	Nyishis value reciprocity in economic transactions; formerly practiced barter system

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival UPSC

The 9th Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) in Arunachal Pradesh, from January 18-20, 2024, underscores the region’s commitment to hornbill preservation. Established in 2015, PPHF recognizes the Nyishi tribe’s vital role in hornbill conservation within Pakke Tiger Reserve, aiming to diversify income and raise national awareness. The festival symbolizes a call for imperative hornbill preservation while showcasing Nyishi cultural festivities. In the heart of the Pakke Tiger Reserve, diverse hornbill species thrive, reflecting the reserve’s biodiversity focus. The Nyishi community’s transformative role, from hunters to advocates, aligns with PPHF’s goal, fostering economic development while preserving the environment.

Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival FAQs