10th edition of Falcon Festival in Umrangso, Dima Hasao, emerged as a beacon of conservation and cultural celebration, attracting global attention while promoting protection of migratory Amur falcon. Held at scenic Umrongso Golf Course, festival not only highlighted region’s commitment to preserving biodiversity but also showcased its rich cultural heritage.
A Plastic-Free Celebration
One of standout features of festival was its eco-friendly approach. Organizers ensured a plastic-free environment by replacing traditional disposable items with biodegradable alternatives. For instance, paper tea cups and eco-friendly utensils were used, setting an example for sustainable event management.
Amol Daplagajao, Chairman of Umrongso Municipal Board, emphasized festival’s commitment to environmental conservation, stating, “This year, we made special efforts to go plastic-free. Even smallest details, such as disposable tea cups, were designed to ensure sustainability.”
Star-Studded Cultural Performances
festival drew attention with a stellar lineup of cultural performances by renowned artists, both national and international. Notable performances included:
- Abhijit Bhattacharya: A celebrated Bollywood playback singer whose melodies enthralled audience.
- Monali Thakur: Known for her soulful voice and numerous chart-topping hits.
- Md Faiz: A rising musical sensation who brought youthful energy to event.
- International Bands: Adding a global touch, international bands brought diverse musical flavors, making festival a melting pot of cultures.
These performances attracted large crowds, showcasing how art and music can be powerful tools for raising awareness about environmental conservation.
Focus on Amur Falcon Conservation
core purpose of Falcon Festival remained conservation of Amur falcon, a migratory bird that uses Dima Hasao as a stopover during its annual migration from Siberia to southern Africa. This year, festival amplified its efforts to halt hunting and create awareness about ecological importance of these birds.
Conservation Initiatives Highlighted During Festival:
- Educational Programs: Conservationists conducted workshops and interactive sessions to educate attendees about significance of Amur falcons in maintaining ecological balance.
- Community Involvement: Local communities were actively involved in conservation efforts, demonstrating how grassroots participation can lead to significant change.
- Film Screenings: Documentaries showcasing Amur falcon’s migratory journey were screened, highlighting challenges they face and urgent need for protection.
Tourist Influx and Economic Boost
festival organizers anticipated a massive turnout of over 2 lakh tourists, similar to previous year. This influx of visitors provided a significant economic boost to region, benefiting local businesses, artisans, and vendors. Traditional stalls selling local handicrafts, organic produce, and ethnic cuisine were a major draw, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in local culture.
Key Features of Festival
| Feature | Details |
| Theme | Amur Falcon Conservation |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Plastic-free environment with biodegradable items |
| Star Performers | Abhijit Bhattacharya, Monali Thakur, Md Faiz |
| Venue | Umrongso Golf Course |
| Expected Tourist Turnout | Over 2 lakh |
| Economic Impact | Boost to local businesses and artisans |
| Educational Activities | Workshops, film screenings, and interactive sessions |
A Community-Led Movement
festival’s success was attributed to active participation of local communities. Residents of Dima Hasao, along with conservation organizations, played a pivotal role in organizing event and spreading awareness about Amur falcon.
festival also underscored harmonious relationship between humans and nature. By combining cultural celebration with conservation efforts, event highlighted how traditions and modern practices can coexist to achieve sustainable development.
Preserving a Legacy
Maidam and Cultural Complex, an ongoing project in region, was also promoted during festival. This initiative aims to celebrate Assam’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, ensuring that future generations recognize and value state’s unique contributions to biodiversity and history.
Voices from Festival
- Amol Daplagajao (Chairman, Umrongso Municipal Board): “Falcon Festival is not just a celebration but a responsibility to conserve Amur falcon and preserve our natural heritage.”
- Conservationist Attendee: “festival is a great platform to engage public in conservation efforts. Amur falcon’s story is inspiring, and this event does justice to their importance.”
Looking Ahead
10th Falcon Festival concluded with a promise to continue its mission of blending cultural celebration with conservation. With increasing awareness and community involvement, event has set a benchmark for similar initiatives in other regions.
success of festival demonstrates that when art, culture, and conservation come together, results are transformative. Dima Hasao’s Umrangso has not only carved a niche for itself as a hub for eco-tourism but has also emerged as a shining example of how local efforts can contribute to global conservation goals.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports about 10th Falcon Festival in Umrangso, Dima Hasao. Details may evolve, and readers are encouraged to verify information independently for updates. article aims to highlight festival’s cultural and conservation significance while promoting awareness of ongoing efforts to protect Amur falcon.
