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Falcon Festival is an annual festival celebrated in Umrangso, Dima Hasao district in the Northeast Indian state of Assam. The Festival is held to bring conservation awareness to the migratory bird, Amur falcon, that visit the region during the month of October–November every year. The festival is usually held after the birds has left the region.[1]
| Falcon Festival Amur Falcon Festival | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Folk, Modern |
| Begins | 13 December 2024 |
| Ends | 15 December 2024 |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | Umrangso Golf ground |
| Location(s) | Umrangso, Dima Hasao, Assam |
| Coordinates | 25°29′02″N 92°41′35″E / 25.484°N 92.693°E |
| Country | India |
| Years active | 9 |
| Inaugurated | 31 October 2015 |
| Founder | Blue Hills Society, Wildlife Trust of India, and CAF (India) |
| Previous event | 2023 |
| Next event | 2024 |
| Activity | Contest in Singing & Dancing (Traditional & Modern form), Pageant, Musics Festivals, Cultural showcase, Exhibitions, Camping, Dirt racing etc. |
| Patron(s) | DHAC |
| Sponsor | Public donation, DHAC |
Origin
editThe primary aim of the festival was raising awareness about concervation of migratory bird Amur falcon. The first edition was held for two days from 31 October to 1 November 2015 at Karbi Club ground, Umrangso, in association with Blue Hills Society, Wildlife Trust of India and Charities Aid Foundation-India.[1][2]
Objective
editThe main objective of the festival is wildlife conservation and cultural celebration.[3] The festival is one among the similar festival celebrated in Northeastern India for conservation of Amur falcon. Similar festivals are celebrated in other Northeastern state like in Nagaland,[4] Meghalaya,[5] Manipur.[6] It holds the distinction of being the first to spearhead awareness about Amur Falcon in the region.[citation needed]
Amur falcon
editAmur falcon is a small migratory bird that travel between South-Africa and East-China (breeding ground). It reach and rest in Northeastern India during its long journey. It's known for its incredible 22,000 KM journey. The birds primarily feed on insects during their migration. They face threats like habitat loss and hunting. Conservation efforts are underway to protect them.
Celebration
editThe event celebration last for three days. The first day with various outdoor games, including traditional and modern. Second day, various competitions like beauty pageant are held. Music festival are usually held on each night. The festival also showcase various traditional artifact, tribal culture and traditions.
Location
editKarbi Club
editFrom 2015 to 2016, the first two editions of the festival was held at 'Karbi Club ground', Umrangso, Dima Hasao.
Umrangso Golf Course
editSince 2017, Umrangso Golf field has been hosting Falcon festivals annually. It is a plateau flood bed of NEEPCO dam. It consists of several plateau hills, some of which become islet during monsoon (when flooded). The location is also popular for camping, trekking, boating, Water skiing etc.[7]
Incidents
editIn 2017, a person was found unconscious and died during treatment. In 2018, after the end of its 4th edition, a person was found dead in the water reservoir of NEEPCO, police say, the deceased person was highly inebriated the previous night.[8] There is an adequate lack of water safety at the festival location.[9]
In 2023, during its 9th edition, spectators were charged hefty price for entry. On its last day, spectators illegally entered the music festival, they were later allowed free entry. The arrival of huge crowd on its last day were partly due to presence of international DJ Mari Ferrari, as well various band.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Falcon Festival: An Ode to Amur Falcon".
- ^ https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/festival-route-to-protect-falcons/cid/1526997
- ^ "Falcon Festival 2023: A Spectacular Celebration of Conservation and Culture | NEWS8 NorthEast". 27 November 2023.
- ^ "The First-Ever Amur Falcon Conservation Week & Festivals in Wokha, Nagaland". 26 October 2018.
- ^ "Tyrso villagers gear up to welcome Amur Falcons with festival | Highland Post". 13 November 2023.
- ^ "Tamenglong comes alive to Amur Falcon Festival : 12th nov23 ~ E-Pao! Headlines".
- ^ "8th Falcon Festival in Dima Hasao: All You Need to Know". 14 November 2022.
- ^ "Assam: Body of a youth found at Falcon festival site in Dima Hasao". 5 November 2018.
- ^ "Assam: Two minors drown in NEEPCO water reservoir near Umrangso".
- ^ "Assam: Tense situation at Falcon festival after crowd try to break-in after failing to pay for tickets". 2 December 2023.