Naga dancers in traditional dress at the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

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The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is one of the most remarkable cultural gatherings in India. Each year from 1 to 10 December, the Naga tribes come together at the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama, near the state capital Kohima, for ten days of music, dance, ceremony, food and craft. For travellers, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is a rare chance to see the traditions of Northeast India in one place, and to meet the people who keep them alive.

What is the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland?

Naga dancers in traditional dress at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland

The festival is named after the great hornbill, a bird that appears throughout Naga folklore and ceremonial dress. It was first held in 2000 by the state government to celebrate and preserve the cultures of Nagaland’s tribes, each of which has its own language, dress and customs.

What you will see

Naga warriors performing a traditional dance at Kisama
  • Each tribe has its own morung, a traditional house, in the heritage village, where you can see its architecture and crafts.
  • Warrior dances, folk songs and games are performed in the main arena throughout the day.
  • Food stalls serve Naga dishes, smoked meats and rice beer.
  • Craftspeople sell weaving, woodcarving and beadwork.
  • In the evenings there are concerts in Kohima, and a night bazaar.

Planning your visit to the Hornbill Festival

Traditional Naga costume at the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland

Kohima is reached by road from Dimapur, which has the nearest airport, or from Guwahati in Assam. Accommodation near Kohima is limited and fills months ahead, so it is wise to plan early. Many visitors need an Inner Line Permit or registration to enter Nagaland, which we arrange as part of the journey. December days are mild and sunny; evenings are cold, so pack warm layers.

Most travellers combine two or three days at the festival with time in Assam: the river island of Majuli and the one-horned rhinos of Kaziranga. Our Hornbill Festival tour follows this route, and the background to the festival is well documented.

Etiquette at the festival

The festival is welcoming to visitors, and a few courtesies are appreciated: ask before photographing people, especially elders, and buy directly from the craftspeople where you can. A local guide makes the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland far richer, explaining the meaning of each dance and the differences between the tribes.

To plan a December journey around the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, tell us your dates.

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