Your Complete Guide to Sandakphu Trek
Mar 15th, 2024
The Hornbill Festival is a ten-day cultural extravaganza held annually in the state of Nagaland, India. It is celebrated from 1st December to 10th December in Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
(The festival is named after the Hornbill, a revered bird in Naga culture | Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
The festival showcases the rich and diverse culture of the 16 tribes of Nagaland and is a major annual tourist attraction.
The Significance of the Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival was first celebrated in 2000, with the aim of promoting and preserving Naga culture and heritage. It is also a celebration of the state's rich natural beauty and biodiversity. The festival is a time for the people of Nagaland to come together and celebrate their shared identity and culture.
What to expect at the Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival is a feast for the senses. Visitors can expect to experience a wide range of cultural activities, including:
● Traditional Naga dances and music
● Fashion shows showcasing Naga traditional costumes
● Crafts and food stalls selling Naga handicrafts and cuisines
● Indigenous games and sports
● Adventure sports such as trekking and mountain biking
● Rock concerts and other musical performances
● The festival also features a number of special events, such as the Hornbill International Music Festival, the Hornbill Rock Concert, and the Hornbill Night Carnival.
Latest updates on the Hornbill Festival 2023
The Hornbill Festival 2023 is scheduled to be held from December 1 to 10, at the Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima district of Nagaland.
The theme for this year's festival is "Celebrating the Spirit of Togetherness."
A number of new events have been added to the festival lineup for 2023, including:
● A Hornbill Film Festival, which will showcase films made by Naga filmmakers
● A Hornbill Art Exhibition, which will feature the work of Naga artists
● A Hornbill Literary Festival, which will feature readings and discussions by Naga writers
The Hornbill Festival is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It is a chance to immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant culture of Nagaland and to learn about its people, their traditions, and their way of life.
How to get to the Hornbill Festival?
The nearest airport to the Hornbill Festival is Dimapur Airport, which is located about 73 kilometers from Kohima. There are regular flights to Dimapur from major cities in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
From Dimapur Airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Kohima. The journey takes about 2 hours.
Where to stay during the Hornbill Festival?
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Kohima, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Please find below some accommodatin recommendations which are quite good:
1. Camp David, Kigwema
2. Homestay Naga Wanderer, Kohima
3. The Heritage, Kohima
It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance as the rooms get sold out very fast during Hornbill Festival time. You can book these properties through the OurGuest website
Tips for attending the Hornbill Festival:
● The Hornbill Festival is a very popular event, so it is important to book your flights and accommodation well in advance.
● The weather in Nagaland can be cold during the winter months, so be sure to pack warm clothes.
● The Hornbill Festival is a great opportunity to try Naga food, so be sure to sample some of the local dishes.
● The festival is a very colorful and vibrant event, so be sure to bring your camera to capture all the memories.
● In case you are staying at campsites, it is advisable to bring warm clothes especially while sleeping at night, maybe a blanket as well as the sleeping bags provided by the campsite may not be enough during the night
● Also, please remember that Nagaland is a dry state. So you may not get alcohol. It is advisable to try the local drink, Zutho, which should keep you warm during chilly nights.
● Pork dishes available in Nagaland are really good so it is a must-try for all non-vegetarian travelers looking to try some local food.
● There are different eating joints for various tribes (Sema, Angami, etc.) at the Hornbill Festival. It is a good idea to try the foods of different tribes each day.
● If you are looking to take a souvenir back from Nagaland, the famed Naga shawl is highly recommended as it is unique to the region and keeps you warm on cold winter nights.
● Along with the Hornbill Festival, it is a good idea to keep a few days extra to visit Dzukou Valley one day and Khonoma village (India’s first green village) the next day along with a guide. You will have to trek for about 2.5 hours (one way) to Dzukou Valley, so it is a good idea to get good trekking shoes in case you are looking to visit Dzukou Valley.
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Written by Karma Thutop Chechutharpa: Bridging Cultures Through Travel
Karma, a seasoned traveler with a deep love for Sikkim's rural charm, returned home in 2017. Co-founding OurGuest, he leverages his experiences across India, Nepal, and Bhutan to curate authentic travel journeys. Beyond adventure, Karma champions rural tourism. Through OurGuest's stories, he empowers local homestays and fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a writer, all while sharing the magic of Northeast India.
For a customized tour experience you can contact us at +91-7669503993 or email to contact@ourguest.in
