Mr Viral
If you are thinking about a unique holiday before the year ends, we suggest you go for Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival. The annual Hornbill Festival is one of India’s most vibrant cultural festivals. Every year the festival is celebrated in a grand manner, for 10 days in total, that it even got the nickname — Festival of Festivals. But what makes 2024 an unmissable year for the Hornbill Festival? This is the festival’s 25th year or the Silver Jubilee. This year will be the celebration of 25 years of being a platform that celebrates Nagaland’s cultural heritage.
The festival is not only popular in India, but also on an international level as well. Every year, visitors from all over the world visit Nagaland to be a part of this cultural celebration.
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The tourism secretary G Hukugha Sema urged the tribal organisations to help make this event grand for all, especially for the tourists. He stressed on the importance of ensuring the comfort of tourists, who will be treated as “special guests” during the 10-day festival. He urged the tribal organisations to cooperate with the government in creating a welcoming environment for the thousands of domestic and international visitors expected to attend.
In preparation for the festival, Sema revealed that a master plan to revamp and renovate the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama is currently underway. Kisama Heritage Village is where the main event takes place. As per reports, all renovation works are expected to be completed by November 17.
The Hornbill Festival began in 2000 as a modest three-day event in Kohima. The festival has since evolved into a major tourism event for Nagaland, now spanning 10 days. In these 10 days, visitors get to experience tribal living, food, traditional games, music and dance, and the best of local handicrafts and textiles. Sometime in the mid-2000s, the venue was shifted to Kisama, which allowed a larger number of tourists to be a part of the festival.
Today, if Nagaland is on the tourism map of India, the Hornbill Festival played a crucial role in these 25 years. And this year is the celebration of that.
Major highlights of the Hornbill Festival
Cultural performances: The Hornbill Festival is where you have the chance to get to know about the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland. Various Naga tribes present their traditional dances, music, traditional games and war techniques.
Naga morungs exhibition: Naga morungs are traditional huts that were used as dormitories back in the day. These morungs play a crucial role in imparting the knowledge of customs, traditions, and warfare to young men. The festival features replicas of these morungs.
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Naga wrestling and indigenous games: The festival also features indigenous sports such as Naga wrestling, bamboo stilt races, and archery.
Crafts and handloom fair: The festival hosts a large marketplace where local artisans and craftsmen display and sell Naga handloom products, bamboo crafts, and unique tribal jewellery.
Hornbill international rock contest: The Hornbill International Rock Contest is one of the most sought-after events at the festival. Rock bands from across India and abroad compete with one another. It’s an incredible crowd-puller.
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Traditional cuisine: The Hornbill Festival is also a culinary journey, with food stalls offering traditional Naga dishes such as smoked meats, bamboo shoot curries, and Naga chilli sauces. Visitors can indulge in local delicacies that are rarely found outside the region.
Heritage walks and village tours: Visitors can take part in guided tours to nearby villages and heritage sites, which offer insights into Naga history, traditional livelihoods, and local biodiversity. These excursions complement the main festival activities and give a deeper understanding of Naga culture.
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