Are you passionate about immersing yourself in diverse cultures? Do you have a keen interest in experiencing festivals that showcase rich traditions and heritage? If so, Nagaland, India’s cultural gem, invites you to partake in its renowned Hornbill Festival.
When is the Hornbill Festival in 2024?
This captivating festival spans 10 days, commencing on December 1st and concluding on December 10th each year. Often referred to as “The Festival of Festivals”, the Hornbill Festival is a grand celebration of tribal culture.
Mark your calendar: The 2024 Hornbill Festival kicks off at 9:00 am on Wednesday, December 1, and wraps up on Friday, December 10.
Essential Information for Attendees:
Ticketing: Daily passes for the festival range between INR 20 to INR 30.
Photography: A separate fee of INR 50 is charged for cameras.
For Domestic Tourists: An inner line permit from the local government is mandatory for entry.
For International Tourists: Registration at the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) is required within 24 hours of arrival.
Origin of Hornbill Festival
The State Government of Nagaland started this festival in the year 2000 to strengthen intertribal connections in the state. Nagaland being home to many tribes proudly reflects many aspects of tribal life history and heritage.
Tribals are known to respect and preserve their culture with great devotion and that is the reason they welcome the Hornbill festival with great enthusiasm and honor.
The Tourism Department of Nagaland has put all its efforts into making this festival successful so that there is always harmony and peace amongst various tribals.
Celebrating the Hornbill Festival
Location and Duration
The Hornbill Festival is celebrated in the Kisama Heritage Village, situated approximately 12 kilometers from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Spanning 10 days, this vibrant cultural extravaganza draws visitors from across the globe.
Highlights of the Festival:
- Stellar Performances: The festival is illuminated by the dynamic performances of the Naga tribes, showcasing their rich traditions and dances.
- Culinary Delights: Attendees can savor the unique flavors of northeastern cuisine, tantalizing their taste buds with authentic dishes.
- Handicrafts and Art: The festival is a haven for art enthusiasts, displaying a range of tribal handicrafts, paintings, woodwork, and sculptures.
- Diverse Attractions: From herbal medicine stalls and flower exhibitions to food stalls serving delectable Naga dishes, there’s something for everyone.
- Cultural Showcases: The festival is packed with events that highlight Naga culture, including fashion shows, archery contests, Naga wrestling, children’s carnivals, motorsports, cycling events, dance performances, music concerts, and film screenings.
The Hornbill International Rock Festival:
A major highlight of the Hornbill Festival is the International Rock Festival held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium. This event sees rock bands from around the world taking the stage, delivering electrifying performances that resonate with the spirit of the festival.
Entry Formalities / Permits for Domestic and Foreign Tourists:
Entry Formalities for Domestic Tourists :
To visit the Inner Line, domestic tourists must obtain a permit from the following authorities:
- Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi,
- Deputy Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, Kolkota,
- Assistant Resident Commissioner in Guwahati and Shillong,
- Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung
Entry Formalities for Foreign Tourists:
Foreign tourists are required to register at the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) of the district they are visiting within 24 hours of arrival or at the nearest police station. There is a FRO located in Dimapur, near the railway station, at the office of the police commissioner.
How can you reach the venue of the festival?
Destination: Kohima
Begin your journey by heading to Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland.
By Air: For those flying in, the nearest airport is in Dimapur. Flights from Guwahati to Dimapur are available.
By Road: Buses run from Guwahati to Dimapur. Upon reaching Dimapur, you can board another bus to Kohima.
By Train: For train travelers, Guwahati to Dimapur is a viable route. Dimapur has a railway station to accommodate your journey.
Final Point Kisama Village: Once in Kohima, numerous private taxis are at your service to transport you to the Kisama Heritage Village, the festival’s venue that is 10 km from Kohima.
Guide to Hornbill Festival 2024 Tickets:
It is very easy to avail of Hornbill Festival tickets as the tickets are available at the entry point of the venue of the festival. To attend the event you need to purchase it every day and the ticket cost around INR 20 to 30 for a single day. There are additional charges for carrying cameras.
Things to do / Activities at the Hornbill Festival?
The Hornbill Festival is all about culture, tradition, and people. You get a chance to witness the amazing tribal showcasing of different cultural programs.
Roaming around the Villages
You can roam around the tribal villages and visit the tribes there. You can gain knowledge about the amazing and mysterious lifestyle and traditions of these tribes.
Enjoying the cultural shows
You can enjoy various cultural programs like singing, dancing, tug of war, plays, battles of men, and many more. Since Nagaland is a state where agriculture holds a major place so all these performances are mainly based on agriculture.
Visiting Naga Galleries
The festival also showcases some of the best photography and art galleries which will help you to get a glimpse of the history of Nagaland and some of its public services.
Enjoying the music concert
Music programs by various groups are held on each day of the festival. You can easily light up your evenings with some mesmerizing numbers performed by local and international brands at the music concert of the festival.
Shopping to your heart’s content
Nagaland is very famous for its tribal handicrafts and textiles. You can roam around the villages and shop for handmade jewelry, decorative items, souvenirs, and accessories.
Capturing each moment
The festival portrays various colors of people with their lifestyles and culture and this gives you several opportunities to capture some special moments with your camera.
Nearby Attractions Besides Hornbill Festival 2024
There is a lot to do in Kohima and its surrounding areas besides the exciting Hornbill festival that keeps tourists entertained most of the time. Visitors can spend some time in these areas after the festival.
There are several other attractions nearby besides the Hornbill Festival
- 2nd World-War cemetery
- Nagaland State Museum
- Dzukou Valley
- Ghosu Bird Sanctuary
- Naga Heritage Village
- Mokokchung
- Japfu Peak
- Catholic cathedral Church
- Naga Bazaar
- Khonoma Village
- Touphema village
- Benreu
- Mount Pauna
Explore some more famous Indian cultural festivals:
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- All about the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in India
- Diwali Festival: Importance, Attraction, Where, How to Celebrate It?
- Dussehra Celebration in India
- Holi 2024, the Color Festival in India
Where can you eat and drink at the festival?
There is a wide range of food stalls of various cuisines and styles. The best thing about the festival is that all the food items are available at reasonable rates. Don’t miss the Naga food here as tasting the extraordinary flavor of the food will surely be a memorable experience for you.
Rice Beer is a very popular drink in Nagaland. If you are in Nagaland you might not get hold of any other liquor since alcohol has been banned in this state. Rice Beer is a cheap drink that can be easily available at food stalls.
Do not miss the luxurious Naga coffee here. The magnificent taste and rich aroma of this coffee energize your senses instantly.
Also Read: List of Monastery in Arunachal Pradesh
Where should you stay for the Hornbill Festival?
If you are visiting Nagaland during the Hornbill Festival then you can either stay in a hotel in Kohima or can opt for camping.
There are many comfortable and convenient hotels available in the capital city of the state. It is always wise to do the booking of the hotels in advance to avoid the rush during the festival. Hotel Kohima, Hotel Japfu, and RazhuPru are some of the best hotels in this location.
Camping is one of the most adventurous ways to enjoy the festival. You can book the campaign with Kite Manja as it is the only provider that will allow you to camp inside the festival gate.
You get to live inside the tents with facilities like sleeping bags, phone charging, eco-toilets, etc. Your camping experience will undoubtedly be an experience of a lifetime with a bonfire and many other thrilling activities.
Many people even prefer to live in some villas or guest houses in Kigwema Village. These guest houses provide all the facilities and help you to rejuvenate yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
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Some important points to remember during your visit to Nagaland
- Always make sure to book your flights, railway tickets, and hotels in advance since the Hornbill Festival attracts a large number of tourists around the world every year.
- The temperature around this place goes down with the sunset during the festival time. Make sure you carry sufficient clothes to keep you warm.
- If you are a foreigner, you must get yourself registered with the Foreigner’s Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hrs of your entry into the state of Nagaland.
- The stalls and the shops might charge high prices for various items. It is always advisable for the tourist to start practicing bargaining.
The Hornbill Festival will surely be an unforgettable experience for you. The exotic location, mesmerizing culture, mysterious tribes, and extraordinary food will undoubtedly help you accomplish your purpose as a traveler to explore the culture of the mystic land, Nagaland.
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