The approaching winter season in the northeast region is one of the liveliest times filled with festive mood in the air. Dry season has nothing to do with interrupting the joyful spirits of the people but the festive vibes everywhere. That being said, the Hornbill Festival 2022 in Nagaland is all set and is having its stunning moment. It is one of the most anticipated frisky events in this region gaining worldwide attention. Here’s all you need to know about the Hornbill Festival 2022.
Highlights of Hornbill Festival 2022
- Start and End date – 1 Dec 2022 to 10 Dec 2022
- Venue – Kisama – Naga Heritage Village, Kohima
- Why Hornbill Festival 2022? – To revive, promote, protect, sustain and showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Naga Tribes
- Famous for – Tribes & Cultural Events, Rock Contest, Songs and Music
- Entry Fee – INR 20 – INR 30 per day. The amount has to be paid for each day to attend the event.
- Nearest Airport – Dimapur Airport – 2 hr 24 min (73.3 km) via NH29
- Nearest Rail Head – Dimapur Railway Station – 2 hr 40 min (78.0 km) via NH29
- Nearby Attractions – 2nd World War Cemetery in Kohima, Kohima, Dzukou Valley, Nagaland State Museum, Khonoma Village
Hornbill Festival
Hornbill Festival, with its prominent tagline Festival of Festivals, is a grand festival of the state of Nagaland. Held in Kisama, a typical Naga Heritage Village, it is an annual festival that attracts legions of spectators. The Nagaland State Tourism and Art & Culture Department take charge in hosting this event to solely promote the rich culture, music, dance, and lifestyle of the tribal of Nagaland. It is a festival you can witness that will never bore you out.
Few days away and the Hornbill Festival 2022 is going to kick-start on 1st December 2022. The State of Nagaland, this year too, is ready to welcome an entry of thousands of visitors to partake in the most entrancing cultural festival of all time. So now is for you to decide to be part of the most epic event and prepare yourself for it. Going? Pack a lot of warm clothes.
Also Read: HORNBILL FESTIVAL 2023: EXPLORING THE GREAT CULTURE OF NAGALAND
Origin and History of Hornbill Festival
Agriculture is the most substantial activity that revolves around the lives of the tribal community in the Northeastern region. Owing to this significant reason, most celebrations are gravely driven by agricultural activities. The same goes with the tribes of Naga in Nagaland who revere their cultures and festivals as sacred. Each tribe has a unique way of celebrating certain occasions where participation of every household member is mandatory to enjoy every festival. To promote a fusion of such festivals and uphold the inter-tribal interaction and cultural heritage of Nagaland, the State Government of Nagaland initiated the Hornbill Festival and was first celebrated in 2000. Since then the festival has been celebrated annually in the state of Nagaland with its fixed venue at Kisama Village.
The Hornbill Festival and its name was inspired by the Indian Hornbill bird found abundantly in Nagaland. The hornbill bird holds a major significance for most of the tribes in Nagaland and often finds mention in their folklores. Hence, the Hornbill Festival is a way of representing all the tribes of Nagaland wherein tribes showcase their culture with prompt and show. It is undeniable that each year the Hornbill Festival is getting more progressive and is acquiring a large crowd’s attention.
Where to Celebrate Hornbill Festival 2022?
Kisama is a little village sitting splendidly at the base of a gentle slope of a steep mountain in Nagaland. It is a Naga Heritage Village that depicts and revives the habitation, authenticity, and history of the various Naga Tribes. It is a popular venue to host the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland which is about 12 km from Kohima. The traditional huts, stalls, and the Naga Morungs at the village are the top attractions for tourists as it showcases the thriving culture. Morungs are Naga’s meeting place to learn, discuss and celebrate all kinds of events together.
At the prime event of the Hornbill Festival, the village is vigorously embellished with arrays of Naga arts, crafts, food stalls, and shops.
Besides the main venue, there are various other spots hosting different Hornbill Festival Specials and events too. Visit those spots to have authentic and fun-fulfilling experiences in the land of the Nagas.
Related Topic:- HORNBILL FESTIVAL 2021 – THE CULTURE OF NAGALAND
How is the Hornbill Festival Celebrated?
The art & Culture Departments and the State tourism department of Nagaland hosts the weeklong celebration of Hornbill Festival annually. The festival usually lasts for ten days starting from 1st December till 10th December. Every ethenic tribes and group take part and collectively aims to revive and protect the lush culture of the state. Cultural activities including dance, music, folk songs, typical tribal food display, and crafts of Nagaland are the major attractions.
The start of the Hornbill Festival opens at 9:00 AM with various cultural activities until the lunch break at 12:30 PM. At 2:00 PM the celebration resumes with other competitions, talent hunts and shows. Evenings are usually lightened up with the famous ‘Hornbill National Concert’ which is entertained by various bands from local, national and international level. Food, drinks and other delicacies are another prime factor that attracts most visitors during the festival.
For most visitors outside the state, the event is a way of understanding the people and culture and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland.
What To See In Hornbill Festival 2022
The weeklong festival of festivals will present you various jaw-dropping activities and performances.
- As it is a cultural festival, visitors will witness religious and ceremonial parades.
- Each tribe will showcase their unique cultural performance in a form of dance, songs and music enough to captivate you.
- Ethenic sports, traditional sports and competitions will be displayed throughout the event.
- Fashion shows, handicraft, beauty contests and other competitions will be held depicting the Naga Culture.
- Apart from cultural events, rock nights, dances, music concerts, food fairs and other entertainment will take place during the festival.
- Stalls and exhibitions of food, artworks, crafts, herbal medicinal products, and others will be displayed.
- Flower shows.
- Other indigenous sports and competitions.
- See one of the major highlights of the festival called the Hornbill International Rock Concert.
Places To Visit Nearby
There is more to love about the Hornbill Festival 2022 apart from the wonderful souvenirs that you will take home. To witness extravagant places with a festive vibe is a magnificent sight that you will cherish your entire life.
Dzukou Valley: Dzukou Valley is a top attraction and nature’s masterpiece that is 25 km away from Kisama. The rolling meadows with smooth hillocks surrounding the valley are a score to watch. It is a popular trekking destination and photographer’s paradise. The sparkling stream, the varieties of flowers, the breeze, and the vistas are breathtaking. Trekking to Dzukou is part of the adventure activities during the Hornbill Festival.
Khonoma Village: Khonoma is a heritage village showcasing the rich history of the early Angamis. The locals today maintain the village into one splendid place to explore and it bags as one of the tidiest places in Nagaland. One can reach Khonoma Village in an hour and a half time and enjoy exploring its unique beauty. It is 27 km from the Hornbill Festival venue.
Kohima: The Capital city of the state Nagaland is an unparalleled destination for anyone. You can visit the state museum, the war cemetery, and the Kohima Cathedral. The city at night is beyond words to deliver its absolute beauty. In fact, the view replicates the fallen sky with its promising sight of satisfaction. Besides, Kohima is the nearest destination to visit which is only about 12 km from Kisama.
How To Reach the Hornbill Festival?
If you are taking either train or flight, Dimapur is the nearest destination to Kisama Heritage Village. Kohima is the next commercial town nearest to Dimapur which is the easiest access to the Hornbill Festival Venue in Kisama Village. Tourists can take a bus, cab or book a private vehicle from Dimapur that takes about 2 hours to reach Kohima. From Kohima, the hornbill festival venue is just 20 mins away.
If you have been planning to explore Northeast India, this is the right time to plan one. IRCTC is offering an exciting 7-day trip to the Northeastern states of India, Manipur, and Nagaland. The Indian Railways has come up with an offer to ensure that you get to attend the much-anticipated Nagaland Hornbill Festival 2022.
Where To Stay During The Hornbill Festival 2022?
Most tourists and locals prefer to stay in Kohima, Here are some recommended stays such as –
and more are all prepared to welcome Hornbill Fans. Some homestays are also available nearby the venue on a first-come, first-served basis in Kisama Heritage Village.
Our Bespoke Packages For Hornbill Festival Just For You: For Inquiry Call or Whatsapp Now +91 9311447461