Things To Do at Hornbill Festival

1. Watch Traditional Dances & Music
2. Experience vibrant tribal dances, folk songs, and indigenous instruments that bring Nagalands cultural heritage alive.
3. Indulge in Naga Cuisine
4. Try local delicacies like smoked meat, bamboo shoot dishes, and fiery chutneys. A must for food lovers.
5. Shop Tribal Handicrafts
6. Explore stalls selling handwoven shawls, bamboo artefacts, jewellery, and wood carvings made by local artisans.
7. Attend the Rock Music Festival
8. The Hornbill International Rock Contest is a crowd favourite, featuring bands from across the country.
9. Adventure Sports
10. Take part in cycling, motor rallies, and traditional games that add thrill to the cultural vibe.
11. Camping at Hornbill Festival
12. Stay in homestays or camps near Kisama Heritage Village for an immersive cultural experience.
13. Photography
14. From colorful costumes to breathtaking landscapes, the festival is a paradise for photographers.

Food to Try at the Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival is not just about dance and culture, its also a food lovers delight. Each Naga tribe brings its traditional dishes, giving visitors a rare chance to taste authentic local flavours in one place. Some must-try items include:

• Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot a signature Naga delicacy with earthy, smoky flavours.
• Axone (Fermented Soybean) Dishes used in chutneys, curries, and pork preparations.
• Sticky Rice & Millet Dishes staple accompaniments served in bamboo containers.
• Naga Chilli Chutney (Raja Mircha) fiery hot and famous as one of the worlds spiciest chillies.
• Zutho a traditional rice beer with a mildly sour, refreshing taste.
• Steamed Fish in Bamboo fish cooked inside bamboo with herbs and spices.

You'll also find fusion stalls, organic produce, and food competitions, but the traditional kitchens are where the true flavor of Nagaland lies.

Best Days to Attend the Hornbill Festival

While the Hornbill Festival runs from 1st to 10th December , the best days to attend depend on what you want to experience:

• Opening Day (1st December) Grand opening ceremony, cultural showcase, and the parade of tribes.
• Mid-Festival (3rd6th December) Richest cultural experience with tribal dances, traditional games, food fairs, and handicraft markets in full swing.
• Final Days (9th10th December) Closing ceremony, Hornbill International Rock Contest finale, and vibrant night carnival in Kohima.

For the fullest experience , attending 34 days in the middle of the festival is ideal.

What to Buy at the Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill Festival doubles as a vibrant handicraft and handloom fair, where you can take home authentic pieces of Naga culture. Popular buys include:

• Tribal Jewelry bold beaded necklaces, earrings, and ornaments made with brass, shells, and stones.
• Handwoven Shawls each tribe has its unique motifs and colours, making them a symbol of identity.
• Wooden Carvings & Bamboo Crafts from decorative masks to everyday items like baskets and containers.
• Traditional Headgear adorned with hornbill feathers, boar tusks, and beads (replicas available for tourists).
• Organic Products Naga coffee, honey, and local spices.
• Tribal Artefacts miniature morungs (traditional houses), pipes, and handmade knives.

Tip : Buy directly from local artisans stalls at Kisama Heritage Village to support the communities and ensure authenticity.

What to Explore Beyond the Hornbill Festival

While the Hornbill Festival is the highlight of Nagaland, the state offers a wealth of experiences for travellers seeking more than just the festival.

Nature & Adventure

• Dzko Valley : A pristine high-altitude valley straddling Nagaland and Manipur, famous for its rolling meadows and seasonal blooms of the rare Dzko lily. Ideal for trekking and nature photography.
• Japf Peak : The second-highest peak in Nagaland, offering panoramic views and a rewarding trek through dense forests.
• Khonoma Green Village : Indias first green village, renowned for its eco-friendly practices, traditional architecture, and tranquil surroundings.
• Mon District & Longwa Village : Explore the rich heritage of the Konyak tribe, known for their tattoos, and visit Longwa Village, which straddles the IndiaMyanmar border.

Culture & Heritage

• Kohima War Cemetery : A poignant site commemorating soldiers of the Battle of Kohima during World War II.
• Mokokchung : Often called the cultural capital of Nagaland, this town provides insights into Ao tribal traditions, festivals, and crafts.
• Touphema Village : A picturesque village near Kohima offering traditional Naga huts for an authentic cultural experience.

Wildlife & Conservation

• Nagaland Zoological Park : Located in Rangapahar, this park is home to over 40 species, including the great Indian hornbill, hoolock gibbons, and other local wildlife.

Local Experiences

• Kohima Local Market : Sample local delicacies like smoked pork and bamboo shoot dishes, and shop for traditional handicrafts.

• Festival Dates : Held annually from 1st to 10th December in Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima.
• Entry Tickets : A small entry fee applies; foreign tourists may need an Inner Line Permit (ILP).
• Weather : December is chilly in Nagaland, with temperatures between 4C to 15C pack warm clothes.
• Connectivity : Mobile network can be patchy; carry offline maps and inform family in advance.
• Cash & ATMs : ATMs are limited; keep sufficient cash for food, shopping, and transport.
• Stay Options : Book hotels, homestays, or camping near Kisama well in advance, as accommodations fill up quickly.
• Local Etiquette : Respect local customs, ask before clicking photos, and avoid littering.