Nagaland is the state of festivals. The state is majorly inhabited by various tribes as well as sub-tribes. Each tribe in the state has its own culture, traditions, festivals and beliefs.
Apart from the tribal population, Nagaland is home to a majority of Christians. English is the most commonly used language for communication.
History of the Hornbill Festival
The people of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with great zest and zeal. They consider their festival very pious and therefore participation of every member is compulsory.
Some of the major festivals celebrated here are Mimkut by the Kukis in January, Tuluni by the Sumis in July, Nyaknylum by the Changs in July, Bushu by the Kacharis in January, Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February, Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January, Tokhu Emong by the Lothas in November and Yemshe by the Pochurys in October.
What to Expect at the Hornbill Festival
Hornbill festival is organized by the Government of Nagaland to promote the customs of Nagaland and to inculcate inter-tribal cooperation. It is organized by the Art & Culture Departments and the State Tourism.
When to Visit the Hornbill Festival
Hornbill festival generally takes place during the month of December every year in Kohima from 1st to 10th. Hornbill Festival features a blend of cultural panorama under one roof. It is named after the globally famous bird named hornbill which is also a part of the customs and traditions of most of the tribes.
Hornbill Festival is celebrated every year at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is at a distance of about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland participate in this festival. The main aim of this festival is to restore and preserve the rich art and culture of Nagaland and to display its spectacular heritage.
Things to Do at the Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill festival provides a colorful blend of various games, performances, crafts, artforms, dances, religious ceremonies and different types of food fairs. Wood carving, sculptors, and paintings done by the modern artists of Nagaland are also starred in the Hornbill festival.
This has increased the tourism value of the state to a great extent.
For the people who are visiting Nagaland during this time of the year must definitely go to see the Hornbill festival. It gives a closer insight of the culture and traditions of Naga people to the visitors.
Also, there is music, dance and lots of mouth-watering food which adds to the list of why one should definitely go and see the Hornbill festival. So the next time you are planning a trip to Nagaland during December, make sure to add the popular Hornbill festival to your itinerary.
~Aaliya Khan
