Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival is a fascinating celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage. Nagaland gets known to a global audience, thanks to the Hornbill festival. More people from the rest of India visit Nagaland because of Hornbill.
It is also, perhaps, the best introduction to the traditional and cultural tapestry of Nagaland. Indeed, our Festivals of India series would be incomplete without highlighting this stunning celebration of life, culture, cuisine, and the diverse tribes of Nagaland.
This guide to the Hornbill Festival provides not only a list of activities to enjoy at the event but also practical tips on how to get there and where to stay when planning your trip to Nagaland. When you go to the Hornbill Festival, you can also try the Dzukou Valley Trek. I will help you to plan your perfect trip and share what you need to know.
Table of Contents
What is the Hornbill Festival?
The Hornbill Festival is a 10-day cultural celebration held annually from December 1st to 10th, celebrating and promoting the rich, lively, and diverse culture of the Naga tribes and people. The festival showcases the culture of Nagaland’s 16 tribes through music, dance, art, food, traditional attire, sports, and more. Initiated by the Government of Nagaland, it first began in the year 2000.
The whole event is a true delight to experience. Imagine walking around and seeing all the tribes of Nagaland in one place! You can watch the traditional war dance of the Nagas, listen to their folk music, and catch a glimpse of their unique customs.
Reasons Behind the Celebration of the Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival is named after the hornbill birds, which hold great respect and significance in Naga folklore and songs.
Ironically, the hornbill bird almost became extinct in Nagaland because of too much hunting, which was a common tradition. The feathers of the hornbills were used to decorate the headgear of Naga warriors and people.
The Hornbill Festival is organized by the State Government to bring together the cultures and festivals of all 16 Naga tribes on a single platform.
Where is the Hornbill Festival Celebrated?
The Hornbill Festival takes place at the festival grounds of Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland.
Kisama is located about 5 km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. You can take shared taxis from Kohima to reach Kisama.
Performances typically begin at 9:30 AM each day. You can purchase entry tickets at the gates and go through a security check to enter the festival venue.
Where is Nagaland?
Nagaland is situated in the northeastern part of India and is one of the Seven Sister States. The name “Nagaland” means “the land of the hospitable and friendly Nagas,” referring to the 16 tribes that call the state their home.
Nagaland shares borders with the other Northeastern states of Assam, Manipur and a small part fo Arunachal Pradesh. Nagaland also shares a large part of its border with Myanmar.
How to reach Nagaland?
By Air
You can fly into Dimapur, located at the Assam-Nagaland border. The airport has one daily flight, with Indigo offering regular flights to Kolkata, where you can connect to other destinations in India.
By Train
Dimapur is also connected by train with major cities of Assam, like Guwahati and Dibrugarh. There are a number of trains from both these cities to Dimapur throughout the day.
By Road
By road, you can reach Dimapur or Kohima from nearby states like Assam and Manipur. Regular buses and shared taxis operate from cities like Guwahati and Imphal, making it convenient to travel to Nagaland.
How to Reach the Kisama Heritage Village (Hornbill Festival Venue)?
You can find shared and private taxis from Kohima to the festival venue at Kisama Heritage Village, which is about 12 km away.
Shared cabs and buses are available from the Network Bus Station, also known as the Network Travels AOC Bus Stop. From here, you can catch buses and shared sumos not only to Kisama but also to other nearby villages like Kigwema, Vishwema, and Zakhama.
How to get ILP for Nagaland?
To protect the identity of the indigenous tribes of Nagaland, it is mandatory for all tourists to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
You can also obtain an ILP on arrival in Dimapur by visiting the DC Office. It’s best to arrive early in the morning to complete the ILP process by noon, after which you can continue your journey to Kohima.
You can apply for the ILP for Nagaland online, Apply ILP online.
For an ILP, you would need a passport sized photograph and your Identity and residential proof. ILP is valid for 15 – 30 days in Nagaland.
Things to Do at the Hornbill Festival
There is no shortage of activities to enjoy at the Hornbill Festival.
The shows typically begin around 9:30 AM, and while the order of events remains consistent, the performances, music, and tribes featured change daily. We recommend spending 3 to 4 days to fully experience the Hornbill Festival. Here’s a must-do list of activities for your visit to the festival:
Visit the Morungs
Exploring the Morungs is one of the best experiences at the Hornbill Festival. The ideal time to visit is early in the morning, just before the performances begin. This is when the performers are getting dressed, providing a great opportunity for beautiful portraits.
Morungs are the place where the legends and folks tales and stories of the past are passed down to the younger generation.
However, be sure to ask for permission before taking any photographs.
If you are interested to see a short video of my visit Morungs place, see the video below:
Experience the stunning display of cultural performances
The cultural performances at the Hornbill Festival are undoubtedly the main highlight. Each day, different tribes take turns to present traditional dances and songs on the festival grounds. This is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Taste the traditional Naga Food
The Hornbill Festival celebrates traditional Naga cuisine, making Nagaland a paradise for food lovers, especially non-vegetarians.
At the Morungs during the festival, you can sample authentic Naga dishes prepared by each tribe. In fact, you can sit with the elders inside the traditional Morungs, interact with them, and savor the unique flavors of the land.
Music & Rock Concerts
I can’t forget to mention the music at the Hornbill Festival. Nagaland is famous for its Western music, and the Northeast is known for rock music. Expect to see some rock performances at the festival, too.
Where to Stay During the Hornbill Festival?
During the Hornbill Festival, Kohima attracts many tourists from around the world, leading to crowded conditions and higher prices. There are several hotels and homestays available in Kohima for visitors during the festival.
The most popular and budget-friendly option is camping around Kisama. However, don’t expect luxury camps like those in Rann Utsav .
For all the information about Rann Utsav.
These are sturdy tents set up specifically for tourists during the Hornbill Festival.
The tents will provide you a clean oudoor toilet and also a campfire to cosy around in the evening.
Entry Fee at Hornbill Festival
- Entry Fee: INR 20
- Camera Fee: INR 30
- Video Camera Fee: INR 70
Be Respectful
There may be things at the Hornbill Festival that don’t align with your personal taste. Even if you don’t like something, it’s important to be respectful to the tribes and the people. They are showcasing their cultural heritage. Remember, everyone has the right to practice their rituals, follow their traditions, and dress and eat as they wish.
Is Hornbill Festival overhyped?
The Hornbill Festival is a cultural celebration. Recently, some travelers have said it has become too popular and crowded. However, we believe that the Hornbill Festival is a great way to experience the cultural diversity of Northeast India. Even with many tourists, the festival will still impress you.
Portraits from Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
Here are a few faces and moments from the Hornbill Festival.
Have you attended the Hornbill Festival? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this colorful celebration in the comments below. If you enjoyed the article, please support us by commenting and sharing it with your friends, family, and neighbors.
