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The Vibrant Hornbill Festival in Nagaland

By Akshatha Vinayak

The Hornbill Festival is called the 'Festival of Festivals' in Nagaland. It was started by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of Nagaland in 2000. Festivals are celebrated with great passion by Naga people and it often revolves around agriculture (their main occupation).

This was an initiative to display the tribal heritage and to promote Nagaland tourism. The Hornbill Festival is organised in the first week of December ( December 1st - 7th), each day is filled with cultural programmes, games, dance performances and competitions.

It is a great time to see various tribal cultures and people in traditional costumes. The celebrities from various fields are also invited to be a part of the festivities. The event happens in Naga Heritage Village, around 12km from Kohima.

Several programmes also take place in the night; Hornbill International Rock Festival is one of the main events. Different tribes showcasing their art forms, customs and cuisines are the major attractions of the festival in Nagaland.

Attend the Hornbill Festival to experience the colours and the diversity of tribal communities. The Hornbill Festival 2015 is about to begin on December 1st, so let us get into the feel of this gala event!

Hornbill Festival

Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival was started to promote cultural heritage and tourism in Nagaland.
Photo Courtesy: Vikramjit Kakati

Naga Heritage Village

Naga Heritage Village

Naga Heritage Village or Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima is the venue for the Hornbill Festival.
Photo Courtesy: wikimapia.org

Diversity of Tribal culture

Diversity of Tribal culture

Several tribes of Nagaland display their tribal dances, music and art forms in the festival.
Photo Courtesy: Roderick Eime

The Indian Hornbill
 

The Indian Hornbill

The Indian Hornbill has a great importance in traditions and folklore of Naga tribes, hence the festival is named after the bird.
Photo Courtesy: Kalyanvarma

A Model of Naga Tribal Hut

A Model of Naga Tribal Hut

Many exhibitions are organised in Naga Heritage Village. Naga Morung Exhibition is a popular one in the Hornbill Festival.
Photo Courtesy: Acavnala

A Time For Fun and Frolic

A Time For Fun and Frolic

The week long festival brings in a string of cultural programmes from different tribes.
Photo Courtesy: Homen Biswas

Colourful  Tribal Costumes

Colourful Tribal Costumes

Naga people dressed up in their traditional costumes is a colourful sight.
Photo Courtesy: Homen Biswas

Shopping in Hornbill Festival

Shopping in Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival is also a time for shopping. Tribal handicrafts, paintings, accessories, etc. are displayed by the shops.
Photo Courtesy: BohemianJoy

Exciting Competitions

Exciting Competitions

Hornbill Festival is also a time for various competitions relating to tribal culture. Naga wrestling, games, archery, etc. are organised.
Photo Courtesy: Homen Biswas

Unity in Diversity

Unity in Diversity

The aim of the Hornbill Festival is to unite all the tribal communities and showcase the richness of tribal cultures in Nagaland.
Photo Courtesy: Homen Biswas

PM at Inauguration in 2014

PM at Inauguration in 2014

Celebrities including PM Narendra Modi, film maker Prakash Jha, lyricist Javed Akhtar and Rocky & Mayur of Highway On My Plate fame have been a part of the Hornbill Festival.
Photo Courtesy: Co9man

One with Nature

One with Nature

The feather of the Hornbill in their costumes indicate their closeness with nature.
Photo Courtesy: Loyalu

Read more about: festivals kohima nagaland
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