Hornbill Festival of Nagaland 2025 — What to See, Do & Eat

Complete Guide to The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland — What to See, Do & Eat

If you’re dreaming of a cultural experience that brings together vibrant tribal traditions, fiery food, dance, music, and breathtaking mountain landscapes—look no further than the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. Known globally as the “Festival of Festivals,” this 10-day celebration held every December is one of the biggest cultural carnivals in Northeast India.

Held at the picturesque Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, the Hornbill Festival showcases the rich heritage of Nagaland’s many tribal communities. From warrior dances and traditional sports to bamboo crafts, rock concerts, and smoky Naga cuisine—this festival is a sensory overload in the best possible way.

This detailed Hornbill Festival travel guide covers everything you need to know: what to see, where to stay, how to reach, what to eat, and the best itineraries for first-time visitors.

If you’re exploring more destinations in Northeast India, don’t miss our detailed Assam Travel Guide to plan a seamless multi-state trip.

What is the Hornbill Festival?

The Hornbill Festival is Nagaland’s largest cultural event, held annually from December 1 to December 10. It brings together all 17 major Naga tribes in one place, showcasing their customs, dances, food, textiles, music, and traditional way of life.

It was launched by the Government of Nagaland in 2000 with the aim of:

Preserving Naga heritage
Promoting tourism
Creating a platform for intercultural exchange
Encouraging younger generations to celebrate their identity

Today, it is one of India’s top cultural festivals, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.

Why It’s Called the “Festival of Festivals”

Nagaland is home to diverse tribal communities, each with its own festivals—Sekrenyi, Moatsu, Aoling, Tsükhenyie, Mimkut, and many more.

The Hornbill Festival combines elements from each tribe’s cultural celebrations, making it a mega-festival.

That’s why it is popularly called the “Festival of Festivals.”

Why Tourists Love It

Travellers love the festival because:

It brings all the Naga tribes together in one place
Offers unique cultural experiences not found elsewhere
Features world-class music concerts and rock shows
Has some of the most adventurous cuisine in India
Takes place amid scenic mountains and charming villages
It is safe, well-organised, and welcoming for tourists

If you want an authentic Northeast India experience, the Hornbill Festival is absolutely unmissable.

History & Cultural Significance

Origin

The festival began in 2000 as part of Nagaland’s efforts to:

Preserve tribal culture
Boost tourism
Provide a platform for artisans and performers
Strengthen unity among tribes

The hornbill bird, a symbol of bravery and fertility, holds a special place in Naga folklore—making it a fitting emblem for the festival.

Tribes Involved

Angami	Ao	Sumi	Lotha	Konyak
Chakhesang	Rengma	Zeliang	Phom	Chang
Khiamniungan	Yimchunger	Sangtam	Pochury	Kuki
Dimasa	Rongmei

Each tribe showcases its unique:

Dance forms
Music traditions
Costumes
Headgear
Handicrafts
Morung (communal house) design

How It Preserves Naga Heritage

The festival has helped:

Revive traditional sports
Promote dying crafts
Encourage tribal artists
Keep ancient rituals alive
Educate visitors about Naga culture

It’s a living museum of Naga history—and a must-visit for culture lovers.

When & Where the Festival Happens

Dates: –

The Hornbill Festival is held every year from December 1 to 10.

Many visitors prefer arriving on Day 1 for the grand opening ceremony.

Location: Kisama Heritage Village

The festival takes place at:

Kisama Heritage Village: 12 km from Kohima (Nagaland’s capital)

Kisama is designed like a cultural village, with:

Morungs (traditional houses)
Performance arenas
Food stalls
Handicraft stores
Art installations

The surroundings include misty pine forests and mountain views—adding to the charm.

How to Reach Kisama Heritage Village

Nearest Airport: Dimapur Airport (DMU)

Flights available from: Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati.

Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur Railway Station

Well-connected to: Guwahati, Kolkata and Delhi.

By Road:

Dimapur → Kohima → Kisama

Dimapur to Kohima: 2–3 hours
Kohima to Kisama: 20–25 minutes by taxi

Guwahati → Kohima

6–7 hours by car or shared taxi
Night buses are also available

If you’re starting your journey from Assam, check out our Meghalaya Itinerary for more travel ideas around Guwahati.

Local Transport Options:

Shared Sumo taxis (Dimapur–Kohima)
Local taxis in Kohima
Tourist buses during the festival

Road Conditions:

Dimapur – Kohima highway is now much better after major upgrades
Traffic during festival days can be heavy
Always start early

What to Expect: Daily Schedule & Major Highlights

The Hornbill Festival runs from 10 AM to late evening with multiple attractions.

1. Cultural Performances:

Daily performances include:

Warrior dances
Bamboo dances
Folk songs
Storytelling
Re-enactment of tribal rituals
Fire-making demonstrations

These performances are the heart of the festival.

2. Traditional Sports & Competitions

Don’t miss:

Naga Wrestling – the most popular event
Archery competitions
Log drum beating
Indigenous games

These events showcase the athletic traditions of the tribes.

3. Music Concerts & Hornbill Rock Festival

Nagaland has a vibrant music culture, and the Hornbill Music Festival is a huge attraction.

It features:

Rock concerts
Indie bands
Folk fusion
EDM nights

The open-air venue and energetic crowd make it unforgettable.

4. Handicraft & Tribal Market

Shop for:

Bamboo crafts
Tribal jewelry
Traditional shawls
Handwoven textiles
Wooden carvings
Organic spices

All items are handmade by tribal artisans.

5. Hornbill Night Bazaar (Kohima Evening Market)

Experience:

Street food
Live music
Souvenir stalls
Warm ambiance
Local people mingling with tourists

It’s one of the best ways to enjoy Kohima at night.

Top Things to Do at Hornbill Festival

1. Explore the Morungs:

Each tribe has its own Morung (youth dormitory/traditional house) with:

Carved wooden pillars
Tribal artifacts
Traditional fireplaces
Headhunter displays (in Konyak morungs)

This is the best way to learn about tribal lifestyles.

2. Try Authentic Naga Food:

Naga cuisine is rich, flavorful, and full of surprises.

(See the full food section below.)

3. Attend the Hornbill Rock Festival:

A must for music lovers. The performances are world-class and held at nearby venues.

4. Visit Nearby Tourist Attractions:

Dzukou Valley:

One of India’s most beautiful valleys
Known for trekking, seasonal flowers, and scenic views
1–2 days needed

For trekkers, our complete Dzukou Valley Trek Guide will help you plan the perfect adventure from Kohima.

Kohima War Cemetery:

World War II memorial
Serene and beautifully maintained

Naga Heritage Museum:

Learn about tribal history and artefacts

Kohima Cathedral:

Largest church in the region

These add depth to your Hornbill Festival itinerary.

What to Eat: Must-Try Naga Dishes

Nagaland is a paradise for food lovers who enjoy smoky, spicy, earthy flavours.

Popular Non-Vegetarian Dishes:

1. Smoked Pork: – A signature Naga delicacy slow-smoked for days.

2. Pork with Bamboo Shoot: – Tangy, aromatic, and delicious.

3. Axone (Fermented Soybean): – Used in curries and chutneys; strong flavour, absolutely unique.

4. Anishi (Fermented Colocasia Leaf): – Used in smoked meat dishes; rich and earthy.

5. Snails, Insects & Other Exotic Foods: – Available for adventurous eaters.

Vegetarian Options:

Bamboo shoot stew
Roasted pumpkin
Sticky rice
Dal and vegetable curries
Boiled vegetables with chilli chutney

Local Drinks & Desserts:

Rice Beer (Zutho, Thutse, etc.)
Black sticky rice pudding
Wild apple juice

The food stalls at Kisama are clean, affordable, and offer authentic Naga cuisine.

Food lovers can also explore regional delicacies in our Kaziranga National Park Travel Guide, which includes Assamese cuisine and local markets.

Travel Itinerary Ideas

2-Day Hornbill Festival Itinerary: –

(a) Day 1 –

Explore Kisama village
Attend cultural shows
Try Naga cuisine
Shop in the craft village
Night Bazaar in Kohima

(b) Day 2 –

Visit Morungs
Watch Naga wrestling
Attend evening concerts
Explore Kohima War Cemetery.

4-Day Festival + Kohima City: –

(a) Day 1–2 – All festival activities as above

(b) Day 3 –

Kohima city sightseeing
Cathedral
State Museum

Jakhama village visit
Local food trail
Evening Rock Festival

6-Day Festival + Dzukou Valley Trek: –

(a) Day 1–2 – Festival highlights

(b) Day 3 – Kohima sightseeing

(d) Day 6 – Relax in Kohima + Night Bazaar

Travellers combining Nagaland with nearby destinations can also explore our in-depth Manipur Travel Guide for road trip inspiration.

Where to Stay

Accommodation fills up very early, so book 2–3 months in advance.

Best Hotels in Kohima (Premium): –

Vivor Hotel
De Oriental Grand
The Heritage

Mid-Range Hotels: –

Crescent International
Hotel Ura
Hotel Japfu

Budget Hotels & Guesthouses: –

Razhu Pru Guesthouse
Camp David
Morung Lodge

Homestays Near Kisama: –

Meru Homestay
Dzüvürü Homestay
Kigwema village homestays

These offer warm hospitality and local food.

Camping Options: –

Camp Kisama
Dzukou trekking camps
Private camping operators

Camping is popular among backpackers and photography enthusiasts.

If you’re planning a longer Northeast India circuit, our detailed Arunachal Pradesh Road Trip Guide (Wallong–Kibithu–Dong) is a must-read.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Book your hotel early (Sept–Oct)
Reach the venue early to avoid traffic
Keep 1–2 buffer days for sightseeing
Carry cash for village markets
Be respectful of local customs
Avoid plastic—Nagaland promotes eco-friendly tourism
Mobile network: Jio works best in Kohima; others may be patchy
Interact with locals—they are friendly and love sharing stories
Taste carefully if you’re not used to fermented foods

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the Hornbill Festival held?

Every year from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland.

2. How many days are enough for the festival?

2–3 days for the festival itself; 5–6 days if combining with sightseeing or trekking.

3. Is it safe to attend the Hornbill Festival?

Yes, it is extremely safe for all types of travellers, including solo women.

4. What should I wear?

Warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and layers for changing temperatures.

5. Is vegetarian food available?

Yes, several stalls offer delicious vegetarian and vegan options.

6. Can I attend without booking a resort in advance?

Not recommended. December is peak season; always pre-book.

7. How expensive is the festival?

Moderate — food is affordable, but hotels can be pricey in December.

8. How to reach Kisama from Kohima?

Local taxis, vans, and festival shuttles run frequently between Kohima and Kisama.

9. Whether an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required to travel to Nagaland?

Inner Line Permit (ILP) is required for all Indian citizens (except Nagaland residents) and certain foreign nationals. It can be obtained online or from Nagaland House offices in major cities.

Apply for Online Inner Line Permit (ILP)

Conclusion

The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is not just a cultural event—it’s a vibrant celebration of life, art, food, and tradition. With its stunning performances, warm people, and rich tribal heritage, it offers travellers an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of Nagaland tourism.

Whether you’re a culture lover, adventure seeker, foodie, or photographer, the Hornbill Festival deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list.

Pack your bags, book your stay early, and experience the magic of this extraordinary festival!