Acknowledging the deep rooted link between the hornbill bird and Naga culture the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change held a competition in 2023 for sustainable alternative feathers in place of the real hornbill feathers, the winners of the competition were Architect Shanjo A. Kithan and Architect, Sentilong Imchen.

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The department has displayed the winning entry at the stall this year to create awareness that there is an alternative and it is hoped that this will encourage people to make use of such alternative option instead of the real hornbill feathers in their traditional attire.

Encouragingly the alternative feather has drawn a lot of appreciation from visitors, both local and international. This initiative is seen as a way to protect the Hornbills whose population are facing immense threats in Nagaland.