Uncover The Mysteries Of The Hornbill Festival

You know when sometimes you get that feeling where you just want to escape to the furthest most corner of the world but it isn’t always possible to have the time to go across the globe? If you can only spare a few days, why not escape to somewhere closer to home then. The North East state of Nagaland is one of the most fascinating places in India; its beauty will draw you in and its people will change you.

 The Hornbill Festival

The best time to visit Nagaland is during the annual extravaganza called the Hornbill Festival. Held in the first week of December, the most important character in this festival has to be its namesake, the Hornbill. This majestic bird is revered in Naga culture for its beauty and ability to stay alert. There are many aspects of tribal folklore that tell stories of this amazing bird and these are enacted during the festival. Hornbill feathers are also displayed proudly on traditional headwear made of boar’s teeth and orchid stems.

The Hornbill Festival is also a great opportunity to discover this lesser explored region of the country and learn about its indigenous tribes. Bringing together all of the diverse tribes of Nagaland, this isn’t called the ‘Festival of Festivals’ for nothing.

Feel the Warrior Spirit

Listen to the war cry of the Naga tribes and feel the pulsating beat of the warrior drums; it’s truly an incredible experience. The dances depict heroic tales of victory that have been passed down through generations. As warriors, each tribe has its own unique style of attire, brightly decorated with vibrant beads and even multi-coloured spears. The tribal atmosphere that pervades the festival is electrifying.

What makes this festival unique is how it also uses traditional huts on the festival site so you really feel like you are part of Naga village. There are also many stalls for you to taste the local delicacies. Make sure you don’t miss the fun of the king chilly and pork eating contests!

However, many believe the real highlight of the festival happens in the evening when the Hornbill National Rock Concert is held. This is the largest rock festival in India attracting bands from around the country. You can hear everything from folk to gospel to rock music. The small town comes alive with music and dancing and it’s a sight to behold.

Getting There

The Hornbill Festival is held in Kisama, which is about 10 kilometres from the capital of Nagaland, Kohima.  The easiest way to get there is to fly to Dimapur; there are several regular flights there from Kolkata or Guwahati.  From Dimapur, there are buses or taxis cover the two hour drive to Kohima. The drive itself is beautiful with warrior huts perched high on the cliffs, watching over the verdant valleys beyond. This is the furthest away from the hustle and bustle of city life you can get and thankfully it’s just a hop, skip and jump away.

Want to embrace your inner warrior? MakeMyTrip has regular flights to Kolkata, Guwahati and Dimapur.