Festival Date : Hornbill festival is for whole One Week 1st to 7th of December
The Hornbill Festival is a cultural extravaganza named after the hornbill bird, revered by most of Nagaland's tribes and depicted in their folklore. The festival is organized by Nagaland's Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, and takes place annually between December 1st and 7th in Kohima. All of Nagaland's tribes participate in this festival, which aims to revive and preserve the state's rich culture and traditions. Each day of the festival features a variety of activities and presentations.
The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event that is organized by the Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Departments to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the various tribes of Nagaland. This festival, named after the hornbill bird, is held in the town of Kohima between December 1st and 7th each year.
The festival is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the unique culture of Nagaland. The hornbill bird is an essential bird in Nagaland, believed to be a messenger of the gods. Each tribe has its own unique folklore and traditions associated with this bird.
The festival is attended by all the tribes of Nagaland, and each tribe has its designated area where they showcase their traditions and customs. Visitors can witness the traditional dress, songs, dances, and various cultural performances of each tribe. The festival is a vibrant celebration of colors, sounds, and tastes, with local delicacies like smoked meat, bamboo shoots, and fermented fish available for visitors to savor.
The festival program includes different activities and presentations each day. The festival starts with a colorful parade of all the participating tribes in the opening ceremony. After that, the tribes set up their stalls and begin showcasing their unique cultural heritage. Visitors can participate in various competitions, such as traditional sports, archery, and wrestling.
The festival also includes music and dance performances by local artists, featuring traditional Naga folk songs and modern pop and rock music. Visitors can witness various forms of traditional Naga dance like the warrior dance, the snake dance, and the bamboo dance. The festival also includes fashion shows, beauty pageants, and talent shows.
The festival also emphasizes promoting eco-tourism and sustainable development. Visitors can participate in nature walks, trekking, and adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling. Visitors can also learn about Naga handicrafts and traditional weaving techniques.
Apart from the main festival area in Kohima, visitors can also visit other parts of Nagaland to experience the culture of the various tribes. Khonoma, an Angami tribal village, is a popular destination for visitors who want to learn about the traditions of the Angami tribe. The War Cemetery in Kohima is a symbolic memorial raised in honor of the supreme sacrifices made by the officers and men during World War II. The cemetery is a reminder of the fierce battles that were fought in Nagaland during the war. The State Museum in Kohima is also worth a visit, as it treasures a rare collection of articles of different tribes, which speak about the history and tradition of the Nagas.
In conclusion, the Hornbill Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultural heritage and traditions of Nagaland. It is an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the unique culture of the various tribes of Nagaland and to participate in various cultural and eco-tourism activities. The festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration of life and is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the diverse culture of India.
Duration : 11 Night /12 Days
Destination : Delhi - Dimapur - Kohima - Mokokchung- Mon - Dibrugarh - Delhi
DAY 01 : ARRIVE DELHI
On the first day, you will arrive in Delhi and transfer to your pre-booked hotel. You will have the evening free to rest and relax.DAY 02 : DELHI - DIMAPUR BY FLIGHT VIA KOLKATA DIMAPUR - KOHIMA
On the second day, you will take a flight from Delhi to Dimapur via Kolkata. Upon arrival in Dimapur, you will be met by a guide and driven to Kohima. After checking into your hotel, you will have the evening free to explore the town.DAY 03 : KOHIMA.
On the third day, you will spend the full day visiting the Hornbill festival. This festival is a celebration of the rich culture and traditions of Nagaland and features activities and presentations from all the tribes of Nagaland.DAY 04 : KOHIMA
On the fourth day, you will again spend the full day at the Hornbill Festival, experiencing the different activities and presentations.DAY 05 : KOHIMA
On the fifth day, you will have another opportunity to attend the Hornbill Festival and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nagaland.DAY 06 : KOHIMA - MOKOKCHUNG
After breakfast, you will drive to Mokokchung, the district headquarters of the AO Nagas. This picturesque town is known for its beautiful black and red handwoven shawls and is the cultural center of the AO Nagas. You will stay the night at the Circuit House.DAY 07 : MOKOKCHUNG
On the seventh day, you will have the day to explore Mokokchung and its surrounding areas. You can experience the traditional festivals of the AO Nagas, such as Moatsu in early May and Tsungremmong in August.DAY 08 : MOKOKCHUNG - MON
After breakfast, you will drive to Mon, the district headquarters of Mon District. Mon is the home of the Konyaks tribe, known for their tattooed faces, feathered headgears, and traditional dress. The Konyaks are also skilled craftsmen, and you can find excellent wood carvings, daos (machetes), guns, gunpowder, and headgears in the region. You will stay the night at the Tourist Lodge.DAY 09 : MON
On the ninth day, you will have the day to explore Mon and the surrounding areas. You can experience the rich culture and traditions of the Konyaks and visit local markets.DAY 10 : MON
On the tenth day, you will have another day to explore Mon and its surrounding areas and experience the rich culture and traditions of the Konyaks.DAY 11 : MON - DIBRUGARH
After breakfast, you will drive to Dibrugarh. On arrival, you will check into your hotel and have the evening free to explore the town.DAY 12 : LEAVE DIBRUGARH
On the final day of the itinerary, you will transfer to the airport to board your flight for onward journey.Note : Depending on the time spent at the festival, visitors can also visit other places such as Khonoma, an Angami tribal village located 20 km west of Kohima, which has its own traditions of valor and courage. The village gate tells the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills. Visitors can also visit the War Cemetery, a symbolic memorial for the supreme sacrifices made by officers and men during World War II, the State Museum which treasures rare collections of articles of different tribes, and the local market.
