Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival Nagaland

Hornbill festival is a really big and important festival that is observed in the state of Nagaland, India's far Northeastern state where it is cherished by locals as well as others with much joy and grandeur. It is celebrated annually in the first week of December, from 1st to 10th of December.

Traditional Folk dance performed by the Naga ladies

About The Festival

The festival is named after Hornbill, the most important bird species in the state whose importance is reflected in various cultural expressions, folk dances, songs and other rituals in the state. The most important industry in Nagaland is agriculture, and still, 85% of the population in Nagaland still depend on agriculture. So most of their festivities and rituals revolve around agriculture only which they consider sacred. The Hornbill festival is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland.

       Naga people have a rich tradition of maintaining their unique heritage and customs. In spite of the modern tradition seeping in very fast in their lives, they have adopted in their lives they have uniquely preserved maintained their cultural heritage and traditions. People in the state have a fondness of celebrating the deeds of their ancient warriors and folk heroes and also love stories, folk tunes, and gospel songs.

Traditional Warrior Dance of the Naga Tribals

The Celebration

     The festival is held at the Naga Heritage village in Kisama, located about 12 km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.It begins at 9 am each day. Hornbill festival, also known in the state popularly as 

Hornbill festival, also known locally as the “Festival of Festivals, is organized by State Tourism and Arts and Culture Department, Government of Nagaland to encourage inter-tribal harmony and promote colorful local culture and traditions, display its unique customs, rituals and practices as well as preserve its heritage. Tourists are warmly welcomed and are treated well. The celebrations are attended by all the major tribes of Nagaland who present themselves with various arts, folk songs, dances and games. There are numerous displays of handicrafts, handloom, multi-cuisine, local food stalls while a rich amount of rice beer always at hand to indulge in.

Evenings are lighted by the thrilling Hornbill National Rock Concert in which bands from all over the country and abroad participate to compete. This is followed by the amazing Night Market in the town. But the most attractive event at the festival is Naga chilly eating competition and pork eating festival which draws a lot of crowd and evokes much fanfare and excitement.

The view of the Stage set up during the festival

Some things to do at the festival and some important points

• Learn about traditional arts, folks, and games.
• Know more about tribal life exploring their various wooden artifacts, carvings, huts, drum instruments and betas at the end of the day.
• Binge on their delightful food, ranging from various preparations of meat including pork, duck and many others cooked in bamboo shoot, authentic Nagaland style, and various other smoked delicacies to be enjoyed with traditional rice beer.
• Another important and fun attraction is participating in the Nagaland Chilli eating competition that is held there.
• Be sure to make your bookings in advance as tickets remain limited and there is a huge rush so if someone is booking at the end moment, he/she might not get a chance.
• At the stalls and souvenir shops, there are various traditional ornaments and mementos which can be bargained at get a good deal 
• Foreigners do no longer need to possess the entry permit to visit Nagaland. However, they must register themselves with the Foreigner's Registration Office(District Superintendent of Police) inside of 24 hours of their entry into Nagaland.