Nagaland also known as the ‘Land of festivals’, with almost 16 tribes is a state rich in cultural heritage and traditions. It is one of the ‘Seven Sisters’ of the North East. This state has one common festival which calls in all the tribes’ participation as one to bring out the beauty of Nagaland as a whole. It’s known as the “Hornbill Festival”. This festival is celebrated in the first week of December every year in Kisama Heritage village almost 12 km from Kohima.
People from all over the world come to visit this promising occasion either to merely witness or participate or sometimes, both. To visitors, the festival offers a clearer glimpse into understanding the Naga culture better. People are welcome to partake in various extravagant dance and musical performances as well as competitions. It a very beautiful display of the cultural practices of Nagaland. The people of Nagaland are all the more kind with their helping hands and smiles. This charming festival has been compelling tourists and travelers who visit the festival over holidays.
The Hornbill Festival is the most lavish and exuberant showcasing of the Naga culture and heritage, and one of the most thronged festivals of the country by people from all around the world. The festival is named after the large exotic bird because it forms the centre of many a local folklore. The Festival, organised by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, is an extravagant affair, complete with parades, fashion shows, beauty contests, sports, games, stalls of various regional cuisines and artefacts.
Expect the most ethnic representation of all the Naga tribes, including their traditional war costumes and war cries, the different simplistic architectural styles in the smaller huts erected in the area. If you thought that the festival for all display and no interaction, you’re wrong there. There is a slew of amazing competitions to participate in, like the King Chilly Eating Competition, the Hornbill Rock Festival, the Kohima Night Bazaar, and even more, which you shouldn’t miss at any cost if Nagaland is on your list of destinations to visit in December.
Highlights of Hornbill Festival:
- North East India Drum Ensemble
- Hornbill Literature Festival
- Hornbill National Rock Contest
- Hornbill International Motor Rally
- Hornbill Ball
Hornbill Festival Entry Formalities
There are certain important formalities that are necessary to be checked upon by both national and international tourists.
- Domestic tourists must obtain the Inner Line Permit issued by the government. This is issued by Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House in New Delhi and Kolkata, Assistant Resident Commissioner in Guwahati and shillong and Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung. You can also get the inner line permit online from the official website of the Nagaland government.
- Foreign tourists should register themselves at the Foreigners Registration Office, or the nearest police station within 24 hours of their arrival.
How to reach Kisama Village
Kisama, the proud host of Hornbill Festival was established primarily for the purpose of the fete. The location got its name from two different villages, that is, ‘Ki’ from Kigwema and ‘Sa’ from Phesama while the last part ‘ma’ means village. The village operates only during the festival. Taxis are considered as one of the best modes of transportation to reach the festival venue.
Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport (IATA: DMU, ICAO: VEMR)
Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur Railway Station (station code: DMV)
Tips for Travelers:
- If you are planning to attend the festival, it is better to book your accommodations well in advance
- Information Center is set up right next to the festival venue; make use of the booklets for the list of events and attractions
- Put your bargain skills into practice while buying souvenirs inside the venue
What other places can you visit during the Hornbill Festival?
Since you will be visiting Nagaland, Hornbill Festival should not be the only thing that you do there. There are a number of places you can explore.
Kohima
Kohima itself is a quaint town and deserves your attention. Visit the WWII Cemetery and the Kohima market to get a glimpse of the past and present of Nagaland. Nagaland is a predominantly Christian State. Visit the Kohima Night Markets to get a glimpse of Christmas markets and celebrations.
Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak
The pictures of emerald green rolling valleys looking absolutely like heaven that you see in the internet are of Dzukou Valley. Dzukou Valley is one of the easiest and shortest treks in Northeast India. The starting point of the trek is merely 20 km from Kohima and 10 km from Kisama, the venue of the Hornbill Festival. The trek is absolutely beautiful.
Explore the nearby villages
You can explore the nearby villages of Khonoma, Jakhama, Touphema and Dzuleke. Khonoma is said to be the first green village of Asia. All these villages are within 20 km from Kohima city.
Pfutsero
Pfutsero is the highest and coldest town in Nagaland. It is located about 60 km from Kohima and 40 km from Kisama. However, the main attraction of this village is its cherry blossoms.
Accommodation
Hornbill Festival is quite popular and the hotels and accommodations get filled up quite fast in Kohima. So book your accommodations well in advance.
We recommend you to get a homestay or camping facility near Kisama, the festival venue. it will make your life much easier. You will be relieved of the long traffic jams between Kohima and Kisama.
If you opt for camping, bring your own sleeping bags, pillows, towel, torch and any other equipment that you feel necessary.
What to Pack
December is winter in Nagaland. The morning will be bright and sunny, but the evenings and nights are freezing cold. So carry your woolens, jackets, gloves, caps, socks and others adequately.
Do carry comfortable walking shoes as you have to walk a lot in the Hornbill festival venue.
Be Respectful
There will be many things that you might not be according to your taste at Hornbill Festival. Even if you do not like something, be respectful to the tribes and the people. It is their cultural heritage and they are showcasing. Everyone, has their right to practice their rituals, follow their traditions, dress and eat as they like. If you do not like it, stay away from it. Do not indulge into any fights and arguments with the local people.
Entry Fee at Hornbill Festival
If you are staying at Kisama, the festival premises, then there are no entry fees. However, if you are commuting from Kohima everyday, then you have to pay a certain entry fee.
- Entry Fee: INR 20
- Camera Fee: INR 30
- Video Camera Fee: INR 70
Mobile network at Hornbill Festival
Mobile network works quite well in the festival venue. Wifi, though, might be intermittent.
Either stay for the inauguration or stay on the last day of the festival if you do not plan to stay for all the 10 days of Hornbill Festival.
