In the beautiful surroundings of Northeast India, Nagaland is a state of diverse tribes. Its natural beauty can’t be described in words. Its largest city is Kohima, which is also known as the capital of Nagaland. This picturesque land is popular for its vibrant greenery and diverse tribal cultural tradition and is also known as the “Land of Festivals.”
Nagaland organised the 25th Hornbill Festival Nagaland on December 1 in Kisama, and it will continue till December 10, 2024. The commencement of the festival was graced by the esteemed presence of Nagaland Governor La Ganesan and, alongside the honorable Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio. During the opening ceremony of the festival, a musical cultural program is performed in Naga traditions.
Let’s understand more about the Hornbill Festival and its significance in Nagaland.
What is the Hornbill Festival?
From 1 to 10 December every year, Nagaland organised a popular hornbill festival to showcase its culture and tradition. On the occasion of this festival, all ethnic groups or communities of Nagaland meet together, interact, and enjoy every tradition and culture. This festival is also known as the “Festival of Festivals.”
Why is the Hornbill Festival Celebrated?
This adventurous togetherness is celebrated to represent the preservation of various ethnic cultural communities and their traditions. Here are some notable reasons to celebrate the Hornbill Festival.
Attract Tourism
The festival is the direct attraction point for tourists. Travellers from across the globe flock to Nagaland to experience the mesmerising charm of this festival. Overall, it boosts Nagaland’s economy and showcases its culture on a global scale.
Highlight Its Culture
On the occasion of this festival, different tribal communities showcase their rituals and traditions. This is the biggest opportunity for anyone to understand more about the lifestyle and cultures of different ethnic communities in Nagaland.
Showcase Art and Handicraft Skill
During the festival season, different handicraft locals put up a stall to sell handmade products. This is a good time to explore their handicraft collections.
Enhance Tribal Togetherness
During the festival, all tribal communities prepare for the festival together. This way they interact with each other. Further, this will boost a sense of unity.
What Activities Can You Enjoy During The Hornbill Festival Nagaland?
Let’s find out how this festival can make your trip to Nagaland full of adventures.
Enjoy Traditional Performances
During the festival, people from different tribal communities perform folk dances on traditional dances, which you can enjoy and also explore the story behind them.
Explore Local Handmade Products
You can also explore different handicraft products and purchase them as a memory of your trip to Nagaland.
Sports Activities
If you are an adventure lover, Nagaland is the perfect place full of adventurous activities such as trekking, camping, and even mountain biking.
Taste Some Delicious Cuisines
Foodie? Exploring this festival gives you an enormous opportunity to taste unique and authentic Nagaland food. Whether you are a pure vegetarian or non-vegetarian, during the festival, you will find all the famous cuisines of Nagaland.
Some popular foods of Nagaland include:
- Aikibeye – made of vegetables
- Galho (also known as rice porridge)
- Stir-fried bamboo shoots
- Alo ong (mixed vegetable curry)
- Nakupi Alu (made of Colocasia leaves)
- Zutho (a local beer made of rice)
Wrapping Up
With the completion of 25 years of celebrating this auspicious festival, Nagaland’s tribal communities reflect on their livelihoods, diverse cultures, and how they live together peacefully. With so many things to enjoy, the Hornbill Festival Nagaland is the best time to visit the state. From start to finish, your trip to Nagaland, especially during the Hornbill Festival, will gives you the vibes of an adventure.
FAQs About Hornbill Festival Nagaland
Ques 1. Where is the Hornbill Festival in 2024?
Ans. In 2024, the popular hornbill festival of Nagaland was already celebrated in Kisama (Naga Heritage Village) in Nagaland.
Ques 2. Which festival is called the Festival of Festivals?
Ans. Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival is often celebrated as the “Festival of Festivals,” highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage. It is a 10-day festival celebrated annually from 1 to 10 December.
Ques 3. Which tribe is related to the Hornbill Festival?
Ans. The hornbill festival is celebrated every year to showcase various Naga tribes’ cultures and traditions. It’s the time when all tribal communities of Nagaland come out and interact with each other to reflect its tradition and lifestyle.
Ques 4. Why is the hornbill festival celebrated in Kisama village?
Ans. Kisama Village is situated between two hills named Kigwama and Phesama. Its name is taken from these two hill names. ‘Ki’ is taken from Kigwema and ‘Sama’ from Phesama. The village is recognized as the living museum of Naga tradition and culture, which is why the hornbill festival is celebrated here.
Ques 5. What is the ticket price for the Hornbill Festival?
Ans. The ticket costs around INR 20 to INR 30 per day. For example, the festival is celebrated from 1 December to 10 December, so if you want to visit every day, you need to purchase a ticket every day.
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