- 1 to 10 December
- Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima
- First held in 2000
Where it began
The festival is named after the hornbill, a large forest bird that appears in many Naga folk tales and songs. Its feathers have long been used in traditional headgear, and the bird is a symbol of honour and grace.
Each Naga tribe has its own festivals, often tied to sowing and harvest. The Government of Nagaland started the Hornbill Festival in 2000 so that all the tribes could share their culture in one place and meet one another and visitors.
It begins on 1 December, which is also Nagaland Statehood Day, so the opening joins pride in the state with pride in its many cultures.
How it grew over time
Old times
Each Naga tribe keeps its own seasonal festivals with song, dance and feasting.
2000
The state government holds the first Hornbill Festival to bring all the tribes together.
Later years
Kisama Heritage Village is built with a traditional house, or morung, for each tribe.
Today
The festival runs for ten days with music, sports and night events in Kohima.
How it is celebrated in different places
Kisama Heritage Village
Each tribe performs in its own dress in the main arena and opens its morung to guests.
Kohima town
Night bazaars, food stalls and music shows fill the streets in the evenings.
Across Nagaland
Districts send dance groups, cooks and craftspeople, and families travel to the capital to join in.
Hornbill Festival today
Visitors can watch war dances and folk songs, try local food such as smoked pork and bamboo shoot dishes, see wood carving and weaving, and join games and contests. A rock music contest and a fiery chilli eating contest have become crowd favourites.
