Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival, affectionately known as the "Festival of Festivals," is one of the most celebrated and spectacular cultural events in Northeast India. Held every year from December 1st to 10th at the Naga Heritage Village of Kisama, nestled in the hills near the state capital of Kohima, this grand carnival is a vibrant showcase of the rich and diverse heritage of the 16 major tribes of Nagaland. Organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of the Government of Nagaland, the festival aims to revive, protect, and promote the unique cultural identity of the Naga people while fostering inter-tribal interaction.

The festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, a large and colorful forest bird that is revered by the Nagas and prominently featured in their folklore and traditions. For ten days, the Heritage Village comes alive with a riot of color, music, and celebration. Visitors are treated to a dazzling display of traditional arts, intricate crafts, folk songs, energetic dances, and indigenous games. Each of the Naga tribes has its own dedicated 'Morung' (a traditional Naga communal hut), where they showcase their unique costumes, elaborate headgear, ancient weaponry, and distinct cultural practices. The festival provides a rare and immersive opportunity to experience the collective spirit of the Naga people and their deep, living connection to their ancestral traditions, all in one vibrant location.