Silver Jubilee of Nagaland's Renowned Hornbill Festival to Commence Tomorrow

Kohima, Nov 30 (NationPress) To highlight the rich cultural diversity and lively traditions of the region, the 10-day-long 25th edition of the esteemed Hornbill Festival will kick off at the stunning Naga heritage village of Kisama on Sunday.

Officials from the Nagaland Tourism, Art and Culture Department, which is the organizer of this grand annual event, announced that this year, Japan will serve as the country partner for the Hornbill Festival, named after the magnificent hornbill bird, which is integral to the folklore of the Naga tribes.

Nagaland Tourism Director Veyielo Doulo mentioned that Japan's participation will encompass various sectors, including cultural performances, skill development, and workshops focusing on handicrafts and bamboo products, facilitated by renowned Japanese resource persons, master craftspersons, and world-famous musicians.

“Last year, the festival attracted a footfall of 1.54 lakh individuals, including a substantial number of international visitors. This year, we anticipate the number of both foreign and domestic tourists to double,” Doulo informed IANS.

He emphasized that the festival serves as a unique platform for attendees to experience not only the cultural diversity of the Naga people but also that of the northeastern states of India, promoting cultural exchange, along with adventure, sports, arts, handicrafts, fashion, music, literature, and more.

Revered as the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ this magnificent event not only exhibits the rich traditions and heritage of Nagaland but also unites the various tribes of the state in a harmonious blend of colors, sounds, and dances.

Since December 2000, the Hornbill Festival has taken place at Kisama Heritage Village, which is located 12 km from the capital, Kohima.

The festival has significantly grown in prominence over the years, becoming one of India's most prestigious cultural events.

All of Nagaland’s recognized tribes participate, showcasing their distinct customs, attire, and traditions.

Nagaland, with a population of two million (with tribals making up 86.5 percent), is home to 17 tribes, each possessing its own unique festivals.

Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, music performances, indigenous games, and craft exhibitions that provide insight into the lifestyle and culture of the Naga people.

Last year, the US, Germany, and Columbia were country partners, while Assam served as the partner state for the festival.

For tourists and guests, this event represents an opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of the Naga people, their land, and their rich culture and customs.

Highlights of the silver jubilee edition of the iconic 10-day Hornbill Festival include daily performances by around two dozen cultural troupes, sales of local products, handloom and handicrafts, artworks, horticulture, a traditional stone pulling ceremony, a film festival, a photo fest, a heritage walk, kids’ carnival, International Hornbill Naga Wrestling, and an indigenous games and sports festival.

Additional attractions include local cuisine, a food festival, competitions for the Naga King chili and pineapple eating, a World War II rally, adventure activities, mountain biking, Dzukou Valley Day Hikes, a Bamboo Carnival, and a Night Carnival.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who inaugurated various facilities at Kisama village earlier this week in anticipation of the festival, remarked that the Hornbill Festival has transformed into an international event, drawing global tourists, and expressed confidence that the new facilities would enhance the overall experience for visitors from around the globe.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujitchakrabortyne@gmail.com)