Hornbill Festival, Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival is held every year from 1 to 10 December at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. The Naga tribes gather there for ten days of music, dance, ceremony, food and craft. Most travellers spend two or three days at the festival, then continue into Assam for Majuli and Kaziranga. 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?

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

• 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

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.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Hornbill Festival?

Every year from 1 to 10 December, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima. The daily programme is published by Nagaland Tourism, and we reconfirm it before you travel.

How do you get to the Hornbill Festival?

Kohima is reached by road from Dimapur, which has the nearest airport, or from Guwahati in Assam. We arrange the flights, a private car and driver, and an expert guide at the festival.

Do foreign visitors need a permit for Nagaland?

Rules for foreign visitors have changed several times in recent years. We check the current requirement for your nationality and arrange any permit needed as part of your journey.

What are the hotels like near Kohima?

Kohima’s hotels are simple and comfortable rather than luxurious, and they fill early for the festival. We reserve the best available well ahead and tell you exactly what to expect. The comfort level rises again in Assam.

Can you arrange a private Hornbill Festival tour?

Yes. Our private Hornbill Festival tour spends fourteen nights in Nagaland and Assam, with the festival, the Naga village of Khonoma, Majuli island and Kaziranga, and can be shaped around your dates and pace.

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