Hornbill Festival: A tapestry of culture, competitions and global harmony

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com)

Nestled in the northeastern corners of India, Nagaland unveils a captivating 10-day spectacle amidst its mountainous terrain. As December’s initial week unfolds, the state’s 16 prominent tribes unite in a jubilant extravaganza, paying homage to their culture, heritage, and traditions. The vibrant celebration unfolds like a living tapestry, adorned with a kaleidoscope of colorful attire, rhythmic beats, and melodic tales. All of this comes to life at the Hornbill Festival, hosted at the picturesque heritage village of Kisama, a mere 12 kilometers from the capital, Kohima.

Since its inception in the year 2000, the Festival takes its name from the Hornbill, a bird of great cultural significance embodying fidelity, beauty, and grace within Naga folklore and rituals. This celebration encompasses more than mere revelry – it transforms into an exposition of exquisite crafts and handloom products, creating a sensory journey through the artistic endeavors of the Naga people. Additionally, the festival indulges the taste buds in a culinary adventure with a dedicated foodfestival showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Naga cuisine.

In its 24th iteration, the festival is set to become an arena of diverse competitions and cultural showcases. On December 4, the spirited grounds of Chiechama will witness a wrestling championship, organized in collaboration with the Naga Wrestling Association, adding a thrilling athletic dimension to the festivities. Following that, on December 8 and 9, the Department of Women Resource Development will take centrestage at Hortiscape in Kisama village, orchestrating a captivating solo- and groupdance-competition that promises to be a visual feast of artistic expressions. Meanwhile, the Department of Information and Public Relations invites bloggers worldwide to participate in a captivating contest, challenging them to capture the festival’s essence throughout its entire duration–an opportunity to showcase the vibrant tapestry of the Hornbill Festival to a global audience.

In a recent X (formerly Twitter) post, Nagaland Tourism conveyed the palpable anticipation surrounding the Hornbill Festival. The organizers are working tirelessly to curate a spectrum of events, ranging from mesmerizing traditional dance performances to immersive displays of indigenous crafts. The Morungs, integral cultural hubs for the festival, are presently undergoing a vibrant metamorphosis in readiness for the upcoming celebrations. The ongoing renovations are a dedicated effort to restore these communal spaces to their traditional grandeur, ensuring they stand as immersive showcases of Naga heritage, as highlighted in the official statement.

Nchumbemo Lotha, the Secretary of Tourism in Nagaland, shares the diverse tapestry of the state, boasting 16 districts and 17 distinct tribes. Marking the significance of December 1 as Nagaland Statehood Day, the Hornbill Festival kicks off on this date, extending its vibrant celebration over 10 days. Lotha mentions a formal inaugural event to set the stage for the festivities. Mornings will be adorned with cultural and traditional events, while the evenings will come alive with captivating musical performances. Adding an international flair to the Festival, musicians from Bolivia, Korea, Germany, and Israel will share the stage with local artists, creating a harmonious fusion of global and regional sounds.

Nagaland, often hailed as the festival haven, takes pride in hosting the Hornbill Festival, aptly dubbed the Festival of Festivals. In the vibrant year of 2022, the festival witnessed the convergence of 1,026 foreign and 48,413 domestic tourists, accompanied by a substantial local turnout of 90,860 visitors, culminating in an impressive total footfall of 1,40,299. As the anticipation builds for the upcoming festivities, officials are brimming with optimism, foreseeing a footfall that surpasses the two lakh mark this year.

On the 15th of November, Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Shivam took charge of inspecting the Dimapur bypass via Khatkathi on the expansive four-lane stretch connecting Dimapur and Kohima NH-29. The aim? To guarantee the safety of the impending influx of tourists who will soon embark on their journey to the mountainous state, eager to partake in the festive revelries.

Secure your entry to the festival by acquiring passes directly at the venue, priced between Rs 20 and Rs 30 per day. Capture the vibrant moments with your camera for an additional Rs 50. For non-Nagaland tourists, ensure a seamless experience by obtaining the necessary inner-line permit from the local government. Nagaland proudly wears the title of the festivalhaven, and among its myriad celebrations, the Hornbill Festival stands as the epitome–the festival of festivals, a vibrant tapestry of cultural richness and exuberance.