The Hornbill festival is the festival of Naga tribes. This festival is celebrated in Nagaland in the Heritage Village, Kisama. It is 12 km away from Kohima. The festival is a display of the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and has protected their traditions for ages. 

Time of celebration 

Nevertheless, the Hornbill festival is celebrated around December every year in Nagaland. In order, to showcase and display their rich culture and Naga traditions. 

Location and Reason for celebration

In the heritage village, Kisama which is about 12 km away from Kohima. 

All the Naga tribes participate in the hornbill festival. Moreover, they get a platform to display and showcase their Naga culture and traditions. 

History of Hornbill Festival 

The Hornbill festival was started in the year 2000. It is an initiation by Nagaland Government. A large, colorful, and vibrant forest bird. It displays the folklore of the tribes. The Naga get an opportunity to display their rich culture and traditions during this festival.

After all, Hornbill is considered the symbol of valor in the Naga culture. The bird stands for courage and strength. It’s the Naga warrior tradition. Hence, It’s a 10-day festival of Nagas. 

Hornbill festival itinerary 

• Day 1: The arrival at the Dimapur airport, drive to Kohima. Enjoy the local market fruits and vegetable stalls. Overnight hotel stay. 
• Day 2: Take a tour of the local market and reach Kisama heritage village to enjoy the Hornbill festival. See and enjoy the folk songs and dances of the Naga tribe. Enjoy the lunch and buy some souvenirs from the local stalls. Way back to the hotel and overnight stay 
• Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel, and leave for the Hornbill festival. Explore the traditions of Naga. Their colorful dresses and attire. Purchase some Christmas decorations and enjoy some delicious chicken barbecue. The night carnival is worth a watch with colorful lights and people. 
• Day 4: After breakfast head to Jakhama village, explore the village, and after lunch head towards Khonoma village. The first green village and also declared a nature conservation site. 
• Day 5: Camping at Sheikhakie village and then head towards sightseeing of memorials, gates, forts, and historic sites. Meet the craftsman and buy some cane baskets and weave some shawls with them. Dinner and overnight stay at Khonama village. 
• Day 6:  After breakfast, head towards the airport and back home. 

How to reach

Moreover, Nagaland doesn’t have any airport or railway station. 

By road: NH39 is connecting to Kohima via Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, the state highway joins Guwahati to Shillong. Buses and cabs are available to Kohima. 

By train: Moreover, the nearest railway line is Dimapur via Guwahati and Kolkata. 

By air: Dimapur is the nearest airport, connecting flights to all major cities. The airport is about 74 kms away from Kohima. 

Thus, the Hornbill festival is the famous celebration of Nagaland. The colourful and vibrant festival of Nagas. And all the Nagaland tribes happily participate in the festival. The festival display variety of stalls, dances, and folk songs of Nagaland. They showcase the cultural and traditional heritage of Nagaland. 

Moreover, the festival is a platform for the people of Nagaland to showcase their talents and the locals can sell their handicrafts. The village tour and the expert camping between the tribal belt of Nagaland is itself a lifetime experience. Nevertheless, the ten-day festival is celebrated with joy and happiness in the Nagaland culture.