Hornbill Festival Nagaland 01 - 10 December

Hornbill Festival 01 - 10 December

Hornbill Festival is sponsored every year by Nagaland state in North East of India. This event that is meant to showcase the various tribes of Nagaland. It is said to have started as an inter-tribal festival, meant there are 32 tribes in Nagaland in between 16 tribes are main of Nagaland to interact with each other. In its current form, Hornbill Festival is held at Kisama village which is only 12 kilometres away from capital city Kohima. Aspects such as headgear, dresses and food represent the various tribes of Nagaland and their histories. This Festival attract lot of traveler around the world who are intrested photography, history & tribal life. 

Importance of Hornbill Festival 

All 16 major tribes of Nagaland take part in this carnival and it is mandatory to perform. The purpose of this festival is to revive, protect and showcase the rich culture of Nagaland. For visitors this means more knowledge about the people and culture of Nagaland and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances, tribe and customs of Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival offers a colorful mix of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, food fairs and religious ceremonies. The festival, both revealed the culture and tradition of the tribal people and strengthened Nagaland's that make a different & unique state in India. Hornbill Festival Nagaland 01 - 10 December

Hornbill Festival unites everyone in Nagaland and makes people happily, enjoy colorful performances, crafts, food, fairs, games and celebrations. Paintings, wooden carvings, and sculptures are also on display here. This is all traditional art . The traditional Naga Morangs exhibition at the festival and arts, crafts, food stalls, herbal medicine shops, flower shows and sales, cultural mix-songs and dances, fashion shows, Miss Nagaland beauty contest, traditional archery, Naga wrestling, indigenous games and concerts. Nagas are very famous for craftsmanship to make the wooden items like basket & weaving shawls tourists can purchase from their as a souvenir.  

Traditional arts are also featured, with beautiful paintings, wood carvings and sculptures by modern Naga artists on display during festival. Naga troupes sing folk songs, perform traditional dances and play indigenous games and sports. In the evenings a programme of music concerts, catering for all tastes, ensure that the festive spirit continues through the night. The artist particapte around the world for festival night.

Entry Formalities - Permits:

Before embarking on a journey to Nagaland, acquiring the entry permit is a must.

Domestic tourists should obtain the Inner Line permit issued by the following authorities: Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi, Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Kolkota, Assistant Resident Commissioner In Guwahati and Shillong, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung

Foreign tourists no longer require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) / Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Nagaland. Previously, tourists were required to travel in a minimum group of four people. They were allowed to visit all 11 district headquarters and specified places with this permit, valid for up to a month. The new rules only require foreigners to register themselves at the local Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival. This is a temporary change in effect for one year.

Inner Line Permit can be applied in the website: https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in/

Note: RAP/PAP is still a requirement for Pakistani and Chinese nationals. 

Travel Sketch Itinerary for International Tourists - Designed by RV

Day 1: Delhi - Dibrugarh (Domestic Flight)

Day 2: Dibrugarh - Mon 

Day 3: Mon

Day 4: Mon - Mokokchung

Day 5: Mokokchung - Tuophema

Day 6: Tuophema - Kohima

Day 7: Kohima - Kisama - Kohima 

Day 8: Kohima - Khonoma - Kohima 

Day 9: Kohima - Jorhat - Majuli Island

Day 10: Majuli Island - Kaziranga National Park 

Day 11: Kaziranga - Dibrugarh / Guwahati (Fly back)

How to Reach - Celebration Ground Kisama Village

By Air: 

Nagaland has its airport in Dimapur, which is connected to Kolkata by air. Tourists then have to travel to Kohima by road after reaching Dimapur. It takes 2 hours, then Kohima to Kisama village 20 minute drive. 

By Rail: 

The major railhead in the state is Dimapur, which is linked to Guwahati. Guwahati is in turn connected to the rest of the country by important trains.

By Road: 

A good road network covers the state. The state capital Kohima is linked to Shillong and Guwahati, which are important cities in North Eastern India. First enter to Dimapur then travel to Kohima.