Hornbill Festival - Nagaland

The tribal existence in Nagaland has retained its audacity and independency amidst the Misty Mountains for ages. Festivals are means to celebrate life and are significant tools in preservation and nourishment of their culture. Several tribes of Nagaland celebrate its unique festivals round the year that are related to agriculture mainly, thereby giving the state its moniker that of "Land of Festivals". In order to preserve the richness of its culture and to display the vivacity and extravaganza, the government of Nagaland has initiated a cultural event that has turned out to be the most endearing event of Nagaland's cultural calendar, known as the Hornbill Festival. A weeklong event, Hornbill festival in Nagaland takes place in the first week of December every year and is a great crowd puller.

The festival taking place from December 1 to 7 every year welcomes all the major tribes of the state at the Heritage Naga Village in Kisama. These tribes renowned for their amicable nature and independent character display their art, craft, culture and lifestyle during such festivals in Nagaland. This is the reason why most of the tourists are planning their visit around Hornbill festival in Nagaland. The festival features display of traditional dance, music and sport forms wherein the participating tribes show up in their tribal attires replete with fur, feathers and bones.

Men and women in rich traditional gear flank the place and the hunting trophies, shields made of animal bones exhibited, together create a very captivating sight. A colourful cultural extravaganza is concluded in the evening, but only to start sundown bash that of a Hornbill National Rock Concert. If the feisty rock music isn't your idea of fun then check out the night market to grab a pinch of this cultural potpourri.