The Hornbill Festival is a major annual cultural festival celebrated in Nagaland, a northeastern state of India. It is named after the hornbill bird, which is revered by the Nagas for its significance in their folklore and traditions. The festival is usually held in the first week of December every year, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, which is about 10 km from the capital city of Kohima. The festival is a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural diversity of the Naga tribes, with colorful traditional attire, music, dance, food, and crafts on display. It is a must-visit event for those interested in experiencing the unique and diverse cultural heritage of Nagaland and the northeast region of India.
Why Hornbill Festival?
Reckoned to be one of the major festivals in Northeast India, the Hornbill Festival is held in Kohima, Nagaland in the first week of December every year to show case the rich Naga culture and tradition of all 17 Naga tribes of Nagaland and neighboring states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The festival helps to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote the cultural richness of Nagaland, and popularly called as the ‘festival of festivals’. Several events are held over the ten days of the festival, beginning from 1st December, at Naga Heritage village, Kisama located about 12 km away from the Naga capital Kohima.
There are many festivals that extend over a number of days and include folk/tribal dance and music. The warrior log drums, colourful headgear, and soulful war cry, exquisite costumes are the highlights of the festival. The festivals also present a wonderful opportunity for the people belonging to different tribes to bond. Organised by the State tourism and Arts & Culture departments, the festival aims to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and showcase, promotes display and sale of indigenous Naga crafts, products, ethnic customs and traditions to the world.
Hornbill festival and Tribes of Nagaland
Hornbill festival is related to agriculture, this festival is attended by all the major tribes in Nagaland. Hornbill is a good time to witness the cultural vividness; it also gives the opportunity to bond with different communities.
Besides the traditional events, it include Hornbill National Dance Competition, Miss Nagaland Contest, Hornbill International Rock Contest Hornbill Charity Concert-cum-Ball, Hornbill Master Chef Competition, Hornbill International Musical Festival, North East Cultural Day, ‘Glocal’ (Glocal) Film Fest , Hornbill Snooker Championship, , Hornbill Annual Cycle Rally, Kids Carnival, Vintage World War II Motor Rally, International Car Rally and many other competitions.
Over 25 bands including bands from the, Thailand, US, UK, Norway, South Korea and Indonesia take part in the Hornbill International Rock Contest (HIRC) held for 4 days at the Naga Solidarity Park during the festival.
You may be interested in Nagaland tour packages or a guided tour in Longwa village and the Legacy of the Headhunters of Nagaland
Is there anything special for me ?
If you are willing to try something new, try out the dog meat, a popular part of the local cuisine, also some snails & Silkworms. Participate in all the fun drinking, eating, singing, dancing and merrymaking and take unlimited awesome pictures as memory with love from Nagaland.
Contests like pork eating and King Chilly add tingly flavour to the festive mood Hornbill Festival is heaven for adventurous eaters.
How to reach Kohima ?
Nagaland is connected to the rest of India by rail, bus and air services. The closest railway station and airport to the Hornbill venue is at Dimapur. Dimapur is approximately 75 km away from Kohima. Alternatively, you can fly to Imphal in Manipur or Guwahati in Assam which are respectively 5 hours and 7 hrs away. Both Imphal and Guwahati airport is well connected to the rest of India.
Where to stay during Hornbill Festival ?
Some special Home stays and Camp accommodation are operated during this time due to lack of hotels in Kohima city. The Hornbill festival venue, Kisma heritage village is approximately 12 km away from Kohima . We can help you find a place to stay during the festival days.
Nexplore partner with special home stays at Khonoma green village and we also provide tented accommodation near the festival ground.
You can check some of our best tours we organise during Hornbill Festival.
Inner Line Permits
Citizens of India will need an Inner Line Permit to enter Nagaland. You can contact us for your permits or apply for a permit in Dimapur or Guwahati. Permits are not required for foreigners. But they need to register themselves at the nearest local Police station in Dimapur after entering the Nagaland.
Check Hornbill Festival: A Spectacular Showcase of Naga Culture
