KNOW ABOUT HORNBILL FESTIVAL NAGALAND
The eagerly awaited Hornbill Festival, is one of the most cherished festivals of Nagaland, India’s Far North Eastern state and celebrated by locals with much enthusiasm and zeal. The festival is named after Hornbill, one of the most venerated bird species in the state whose importance is reflected in a number of tribal cultural expressions, songs and dances. Almost 85% of Nagaland’s population still depends upon agriculture, so most of their festivals revolve around agriculture which they consider sacred.
The Hornbill Festival is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland.The Festival is named after the hornbill, the globally respected bird and which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes.The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display.
Festival highlights include Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley; songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contests, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert.Nagaland is known as the land of festivals as each tribe celebrates its own festival with dedication and passion. Some of the important festivals celebrated are: Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January, Mimkut by the Kukis in January, Bushu by the Kacharis in January, Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February, Aoling by the Konyaks in April, Moatsu by the Aos in May, Tuluni by the Sumis in July, Nyaknylum by the Changs in July, Tokhu Emong by the Lothas in November and Yemshe by the Pochurys in October.
Tips for traveler
HORNBILL FESTIVAL IS AN AMAZING CONGREGATION OF NAGA COMMUNITY DISPLAYING THEIR GREAT CULTURAL TRADITIONS.
The 16 major tribes and many sub-tribes of Naga community gather at the Heritage complex in Kisama to an exclusive insight of their tradition. Tourists throng the place during this week long festival to witness the incredible people.
The Festival is named after the Hornbill, the globally respected bird and which is displayed in folklore in most of the state's tribes.
The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colorful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and religious ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display. Hornbill Festival highlights include traditional naga morungs exhibition and sale of arts and crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine stalls, flower shows and sales, cultural medley-songs and dances, fashion shows, beauty contest, traditional archery, naga wrestling, indigenous games, and musical concert.
DIMAPUR-KOHIMA
On arrival, you will meet our representative at Dimapur airport and a drive to the capital of Nagaland, Kohima. Enroute you may see locals women selling organic vegetables and fruits as well as other local unique and indigenous products. On reaching Kohima you can check in at the pre-booked hotel. Overnight stay in the hotel.
HORNBILL FESTIVAL
The morning of day 2, you will be taken for a short tour visiting some local market and World War II cemetery. After, you will be taken for the festival in Kisama Heritage Village where you will spend the rest of the day witnessing folk songs, dances and locals wearing colourful traditional attire. You can also visit shops and pick up souvenirs as a memento. Lunch at the festival where you can taste some local cuisine of Nagaland. You will also be taken to visit Phesama village on your way back to Kohima followed by an overnight stay.
HORNBILL FESTIVAL
After breakfast you will be taken to explore Kigwema village and get some idea about the village lifestyle. Later, you will be taken to the Hornbill festival. You can witness fascinating and ethnic culture of the Nagas through this festival. You can also participate in the night carnival at Kohima where you can see people selling different items from Christmas decorations to chicken barbecue. This infact is one of the most interesting aspect of the carnival, the entire street will be filled with lights and flooded with people. After the fun affair, head back to the hotel for overnight stay.
HORNBILL FESTIVAL
After breakfast, you will be driven to Jakhama village where you can explore the village followed by a drive to the Hornbill festival. Attend the festival followed by lunch and a drive to Khonoma village which is 20 km from Kohima. Later, you will be driven to Seikhakie for overnight camping in a cabin/tented accommodation.
Khonoma village is the first Green Village of India and has taken an odd step by declaring 27 sq kms of its territory as Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS).
SEIKHAKIE-KHONOMA VILLAGE
On day 5 you can go for a nature walk towards the place where jhum cultivation is practiced. Later you will also be taken to see the state animal of Nagaland Mithun. Further a drive to Khonoma village for lunch will be arranged followed by a sightsee around to landmarks like ceremonial gates, morung, cairn circles, forts, historical sites, visit age group house, meet local craftsmen, witness the weaving of shawls and making cane basket. All this excursion will be followed by lunch. Towards the end of the day you will be entertained with some indigenous games demonstrated by the local youth and thereafter we shall try the locally prepared brew. Dinner and overnight at the Khonoma Homestay.
DEPARTURE
After breakfast, you will be driven to Dimapur to connect your flight/train for your onward journey.