Do you like digging deep into cultures and traditions? Do you love to witness the rich heritage of a state? Well, then you must definitely visit the wonderland of India Nagaland and be a part of the famous cultural festival called Hornbill Festival.
When and where the Hornbill festival is celebrated?
The hornbill festival of Nagaland is all set to begin from the 1st of December to the 10th of the same month, 2021.
This grand festival is held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. This heritage village is located around 12 kilometers from the capital of Nagaland, Kohima.
The Hornbill festival is all about celebrating the state’s culture and heritage. Considered as one of the most renowned festivals of Nagaland, the hornbill festival is popular for tribes and cultural events, rock contests, songs, and music.
Reasons why you should attend the Hornbill Festival
Vibrant Colours
If you love watching a fusion of vibrant colours and coming together of various tribal cultures, then this is one good reason to attend this rich in culture festival.
Morungs- Centre of Naga life
If you are going tribal home-shopping, then you must enter the traditional ‘Morungs’.
Each tribe has its hut or tribal morungs. It’s a wooden house-like structure with large roofs made of dried grass and leaves. When you enter these huts, you will see that it is decorated with symbols that are replicas of animal skulls.
Exhibition of Art and Craft
If you are an art lover, then you will definitely love this festival. At the World War II Museum premises, Kisama there will be an Artists’ Corner to showcase a collection of selected historical documents from Public and Private Records.
Night Carnival
Almost 90 stalls have been set up for the night carnival in Hornbill festival 2021. This is the time when people gamble for roosters and ducks at a night carnival. This week-long carnival is held in different places in Kohima Town, BOC Junction, High School Jn. & Kohima Local Ground, Khuochiezie.
Hornbill Riders Meet
Get ready for some flipping action with the 9th edition of “Hornbill Riders Meet” (HRM). This year’s theme is “Riders Unlocked”. The enthusiastic event shall be organized by the Naga Chiefs of Nagaland Motorcycle Club (NMC) along with Nagaland Tourism, government of Nagaland as partners.
The Hornbill spirit
To bring out the competitive spirit among the tribes, there are many sports and indigenous games that are held in the festival. Naga wrestling and traditional archery are some of the sports events that take place in the hornbill festival.
Exotic Naga Tribal Food
Not only known as warriors, but Naga tribes also have definite cuisines like Akhuni, Pork with dried bamboo shoots, Bamboo Steamed Fish, Aikibeye, etc. The two cooking methods that their food is cooked are smoking and fermentation for further consumption. These techniques add unique flavors to their dishes.
Raising the bar
Don’t miss out on the local rice beers that are a big part of their tradition. So if you want to expand your palate beyond regular and craft beers, these locally brewed rice beers are a must have. The local rice beers have therapeutical value with a unique flavour.
So if you want to participate in the “Unity Dance” around the mega bonfire to the tune of traditional Naga howling and dance to the beats of log drums at the picturesque Naga Heritage Village, then come and be a part of the celebrations.
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I am planning to visit hornbill festival this year with family. Thanks for the detailed description of this amazing festival.how many days do you recommend to stay for the festival?