Hornbill Festival Nagaland 2022: All You Need To Know For An Unforgettable Trip
The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural extravaganza held in the state of Nagaland, India. The Hornbill Festival is also known as the “Festival of Festivals” and is a grand celebration held annually. It features a wide range of cultural activities such as traditional dances, music, sports, food fairs, and exhibitions. The festival is named after the Indian hornbill bird, which is highly revered by the Nagas, and is celebrated to revive, protect and preserve the richness of the Naga heritage and tradition. It is also featured prominently in their folklore and art. It is a major tourist attraction and provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse culture of Nagaland.
When is the Hornbill Festival held?
The Hornbill Festival is held annually in the state of Nagaland in India. It is typically held in the first week of December, starting on the 1st and lasting for 10 days. The festival is organized by the Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Departments and is held in the first week of December every year.
The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, a bird which is highly revered by the Nagas. The Hornbill Festival is a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the various tribes of Nagaland. It features a variety of activities such as traditional dance and music performances, sports competitions, food fairs, and cultural parades. Visitors can also participate in traditional games and ceremonies, and purchase traditional handicrafts and textiles. The festival is an opportunity for the Nagas to showcase their unique customs and traditions, and for visitors to experience the rich diversity of Naga culture.
Where is the Hornbill Festival held?
The Hornbill Festival is held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, which is located about 12 kilometers from the state capital of Kohima. The festival is a celebration of the rich culture and heritage of the Naga tribes and is a showcase of their traditional music, dance, food, and crafts. The festival is a melting pot of different tribes, each showcasing their unique customs and traditions.
The festival was started in the year 2000 by the Government of Nagaland to promote the state’s cultural heritage and tradition. It is celebrated to revive, protect and preserve the richness of the Naga heritage and tradition. The Hornbill Festival is one of the most important festivals of Nagaland and is attended by thousands of visitors from India and abroad.
Reaching the Hornbill festival
To reach the Hornbill Festival, visitors can fly to Dimapur, which is the nearest airport and is well-connected to major cities in India. From Dimapur, which is an expensive affair. Reaching Dimapur, visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Kisama. The festival is also well-connected by road from major cities in the north-east region of India, such as Guwahati and Shillong.
One of the most convenient options would be to take a flight to the major city, Dimapur, which have airports that are well-connected to major Indian cities such as Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati. But the flight cost from Mumbai to Dimapur was showing 30-40k including return for per person. And there are no direct flights.
Here is a cost breakdown of my journey to Kohima:
The flight cost from Mumbai to Guwahati will be 14-16k per person return. Check out kayak.in for cheaper flight options
Train cost: Sleeper non-AC will be roughly around 600-800 pp Book your tickets well in advance on IRCTC
Cab cost: Off season- 300-400 pp and Peak season- 600-800 pp
ILP for Nagaland
Visiting Nagaland, India as a tourist requires obtaining an Inner Line Permit (ILP). The ILP application form can be obtained at Nagaland House offices in cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Shillong, or Guwahati, and can also be submitted there. It’s important to note that even if you are traveling in a group, each person will need to obtain the permit individually.
To fill out the form, which is available online, you will need two passport-sized photos and a photocopy of an identification document such as a Pan Card, Aadhaar Card, or Voter ID. The ILP is valid for 30 days.
The online application process can be done through the website http://home.nagaland.gov.in/inner-line-permit-ilp/ and includes submitting an application, uploading photos and documents for verification, and making an online payment to print the ILP card.
An offline process is also available where forms can be obtained at Nagaland House offices and submitted in-person with required payment and documents after filling and signing the form.
What to do in Hornbill festival?
The Hornbill Festival is a vibrant celebration of the rich culture and heritage of Nagaland, India. As a tourist, there are many activities and events that you can take part in during the Hornbill festival.
- Cultural Performances: You can witness a variety of traditional dances, music, and folk songs performed by different tribes from Nagaland. The performances are usually held at an open-air auditorium and showcase the diverse cultures of the region.
- Food and Handicrafts Bazaar: You can indulge in the local delicacies of Nagaland and also buy souvenirs from the handicrafts bazaar where you will find a wide range of traditional handicrafts and textiles on display and for sale.
- Hornbill National Rock Concert: You can enjoy live music performances by national and regional bands.
- Sports: You can witness the traditional sports of Nagaland like Naga wrestling, archery, and bamboo stick fight.
- Hornbill Night Bazaar: You can stroll through the night bazaar that features a variety of traditional food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Hornbill International Film Festival: You can watch films from around the world that showcase the rich cultural diversity of the region.
- Heritage Village Visit: You can visit the Kisama Heritage Village, the venue of the festival, which has been set up to showcase the traditional lifestyle, customs, and practices of the different tribes of Nagaland.
- Excursion: You can take a day trip to visit nearby villages, tourist spots, and places of interest in and around Nagaland. Or you can also opt for a 2 day Dzukou Valley Trek with stay in the valley. Read Here
One of the main attractions of the Hornbill Festival is the traditional Naga Morungs, which are traditional houses built by the different tribes. These houses are beautifully decorated and provide a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the tribes. Visitors can also witness traditional Naga dances, such as the popular Hornbill Dance, which is performed by the Zeliangrong tribes.
Another popular attraction at the Hornbill Festival is the food festival, where visitors can sample traditional Naga dishes such as smoked meat, bamboo shoots, and various types of rice dishes. The festival also features a craft bazaar, where visitors can purchase traditional Naga handicrafts such as shawls, bags, and jewellery.
For tourists visiting the Hornbill Festival, there are a variety of activities to keep them entertained. The Hornbill festival also features a rock concert, which is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the country. There are also cultural competitions, such as the traditional Naga wrestling competition, which is a highlight of the festival.
Visitors can also take part in adventure activities such as rock climbing and paragliding. The festival also features a heritage walk, where visitors can explore the historic sites of Kisama and learn about the history of the Naga tribes.
Where to stay during the Hornbill Festival?
There are a variety of accommodation options available for visitors to the Hornbill Festival. The festival organizers have set up a camping ground at the Naga Heritage Village, where visitors can pitch their own tents or rent one. There are also a few hotels and guest houses in the nearby towns of Kohima and Dimapur, which are well-connected to Kisama by road.
Niraamaya Retreats Aradura Kohima is a hotel that features a garden, terrace, restaurant, shared lounge, room service, 24-hour front desk, concierge service, tour desk, baggage storage, and free WiFi. The rooms are equipped with a sitting area, TV, safe, private bathroom, bidet, complimentary toiletries, and slippers. The hotel offers breakfast options and the cost is Rs. 6000 + Taxes. The hotel is located at National Highway 29, Aradura, 797005 Kohīma, and can be contacted by phone at 081198 90194.
The Palm Guest House is a hotel located in Kohīma, that has a terrace, free WiFi, family rooms, kettle, private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and breakfast with American-style options. The hotel is located near Dimapur Airport, 69 km away, and is popular among couples. The cost is Rs. 3200 + Taxes. The hotel is located at Lerie Colony Road, 797005 Kohīma.
Maple Homestay is a property located in Kohīma, that offers private parking, shared bathroom, shower, slippers, terrace, garden, and shared lounge area. It’s 67km away from Dimapur Airport, and popular among couples. The cost is Rs. 900 + Taxes. The property is located at Lower Forest Colony, Maple store, House No 132, 797001 Kohīma and can be contacted by phone at 096128 02694.
Abu Homestay is a property located in Kohīma, that has a shared lounge, terrace, garden, private parking, and car rental service. Guests can request for bedding and towel at an additional cost. Breakfast options such as continental and a la carte are offered daily. The closest airport is Dimapur Airport which is 71km away. The cost is Rs. 3300 + Taxes. The property is located at Billy Graham Road, 797001 Kohīma and can be contacted by phone at 070056 33079 or 070052 18022.
Plan your Hornbill Festival
Adventurous Dzukou Valley trek- It is a 5 day 4 night trek package that includes sightseeing, trekking, lunch, dinner, safety precautions and much more at just INR 7999.
Adventurous Hornbill Festival and Dzukou- It is a 3 day 2 night package that will let you witness the Hornbill festival. It includes ILP, lunch, dinner, guides, accommodations in tents and much more at just INR 5699.
Breathtaking Dzukou Valley package– It is a 3 day 4 night. It includes sightseeing, trekking, lunch, dinner, safety precautions and much more at just INR 6599.
The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is a spectacular event that showcases the diverse culture and traditions of the state. It is an opportunity for visitors to gain an insight into the customs and way of life of the Naga people. The festival offers a wide range of performances including traditional dances, music, and cultural shows. Visitors can also indulge in traditional Naga cuisine, arts and crafts, and sports competitions. The Hornbill Festival is an excellent way for tourists to immerse themselves in the Naga culture and gain a unique, first-hand experience. It is a blend of traditional customs and modern practices, and is a celebration of Naga’s rich heritage. It is a must-see event for anyone visiting Nagaland.
