The Hornbill Festival also known as the "Festival of Festivals" is celebrated in the state of Nagaland annually during the first week of December. The significance of the festival is to revive, protect, sustain and promote the richness of the Naga heritage and traditions. The festival is organized by the State Tourism and Art and Culture Departments of the Government of Nagaland and is observed in Kohima, the capital city of the north eastern state.
History of Hornbill Festival
The festival gets its name from a bird called the Indian Hornbill, which is an attractive forest bird of the state. In the Naga folklores, there are mentions of this bird. The grand Hornbill Festival is observed to commemorate this attractive bird which is highly admired by the Nagas for its agility and beauty. As per the Naga culture, the hornbill bird is intrinsically associated with the social and cultural life of the local residents of Nagaland. Various folklores, songs and dances practiced by the Nagas speak volumes about this bird. The affection of the local inhabitants of Nagaland for this colourful bird is manifested through the vibrant traditional tribal headdresses used by them during the festive occasion.
The main aim of the Hornbill Festival is to revitalize and protect the culture, variety and traditions of Nagaland. For tourists it is a prospect to understand the people and culture of Nagaland.
Celebration of the Hornbill Festival
The Hornbill Festival is an amazing opportunity to experience a variety of cultural food, handicrafts, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland. All forms of sculptures, paintings, wood carvings and numerous types of local traditions and art are portrayed in the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. Several forms of cultural performances, games, food fairs and colourful arrangement of handicrafts manufactured by the tribes impart a festive and unique appeal to the Hornbill Festival.
Fashion shows, traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition, beauty contests, archery, musical concerts, flower exhibitions, display and sale of various crafts, Naga wrestling and religious ceremonies are the other thrilling characteristics of this major festive event. Hornbill Festival demonstrates the diverse cultures and traditions of Nagaland and attracts a vast number of tourists to the state of Nagaland. Traditional songs and dances are performed by the local Naga troupes in this festival. Throughout the night, festivities continue and the people of Nagaland actively participate in this Indian festival.
This rich festival is a firm paradise for a foodie, chiefly if one happens to be a non- vegetarian. The Nagas love to feast and feed, and at Kisama one can try all kinds of Naga traditional food and also observe them being made during the Hornbill Festival days. The tourists are welcomed affectionately to the traditional huts of each tribe showcasing respective traditions.
