Kohima: The much-awaited 10-day Hornbill Festival in Nagaland will kick off on Sunday, promising to captivate tourists from both India and abroad with its vibrant display of Naga culture and traditions.
The annual festival, which will be held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, is designed to promote, preserve, and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The Hornbill Festival marks the culmination of various Naga tribal festivals.
The 25th edition of the festival will showcase a collaborative cultural experience with the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (Wales), Japan and Peru as country partners while Sikkim and Telangana will be the partner states.
The Hornbill Festival offers a unique platform to experience the rich and diverse Naga culture, featuring traditional art forms, delectable cuisine, captivating dance performances, soulful music, sacred rituals, thrilling indigenous games, and exquisite handcrafted textiles and designs.
In 2023, the state tourism department recorded 1.5 lakh footfall at the main festival site- the Naga Heritage Village Kisama, which is 12km from the capital Kohima.
Additionally, the Hornbill International Film Festival will debut this year, featuring regional and international films that celebrate diverse cultures and stories.
ALSO READ: Welsh folk singers Gareth Bonello & Mari Mathias to perform at Nagaland Hornbill Festival
Dubbed the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ the Hornbill Festival brings together all 17 Naga tribes, providing visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the state’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.