The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, named after the state’s majestic bird, the Indian Hornbill, is one of India’s most spectacular cultural celebrations. The Indian Hornbill, admired for its striking appearance and deep cultural symbolism, holds a special place in the folklore and traditions of Nagaland’s tribes. Agriculture is at the heart of Naga life, shaping their identity, customs, and seasonal celebrations. With most of the population dependent on farming, the Hornbill Festival serves as a heartfelt tribute to the state’s agrarian roots, honoring the strong bond between the land and its people.
Often hailed as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival brings together all of Nagaland’s diverse tribes in a single, grand event, fostering unity, cultural exchange, and mutual respect. The celebrations are a dazzling blend of traditional dances, soulful folk music, elaborate costumes, and energetic sports competitions, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and deeply rooted in tradition. The event is not just a showcase—it is a living, breathing expression of the Naga way of life.
In 2025, the Hornbill Festival promises to be a vibrant and immersive experience for both locals and visitors. Attendees can savor traditional Naga cuisine, enjoy freshly brewed rice beer, shop for authentic handicrafts, and witness captivating tribal performances. Adventure enthusiasts can take part in or watch indigenous games and sports that reflect the community’s strength and skill. More than just entertainment, the festival acts as a cultural bridge, offering tourists a chance to experience the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Naga people while also contributing to the preservation of age-old traditions.
The Hornbill Festival is more than a celebration—it is a cultural statement that proudly displays Nagaland’s heritage to the world. It instills pride among locals, deepens global appreciation for Naga traditions, and continues to be a must-visit event for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable cultural journey in North-East India.
Read More: Places To Visit In Nagalan
Date of Hornbill Festival Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural extravaganza celebrated in Nagaland from December 1 to December 10 every year. Known as the "Festival of Festivals," it brings together all the ethnic groups of Nagaland to showcase their unique traditions, heritage, and cultural pride
Venue:
The primary venue for the festival is the Kisama Heritage Village, located approximately 12 kilometers from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. This beautifully designed heritage village serves as a perfect backdrop for the vibrant festivities, offering visitors a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of Nagaland’s tribes.
Timings:
The festivities usually start in the morning and continue until late evening, featuring a packed schedule of events including traditional dances, folk music, craft exhibitions, food fairs, and cultural performances. Specific timings may vary based on the daily schedule, but visitors can expect a full day of engaging activities and entertainment.
Hornbill Festival 2025 dates Schedule
Hornbill Festival is one of the most popular festivals in India and is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. It is held every year in December in the state of Nagaland. If you're looking for a festive and fun-filled event to attend, the Hornbill Festival is definitely one to check out! Scroll down to learn more about the detailed schedule of the event.
- 9 a.m. In the morning, the people start to gather at the venue to witness the glory of this amazing Hornbill festival.
- 12 p.m. Everyone indulges in mouthwatering foods and cuisines around midday. The participants pause for a moment to refuel with the delectable cuisine.
- 2 p.m. This time of the day is observed as the time when people move to different stalls and activity areas for talent hunt rounds.
- 5 p.m. This is the most awaited time when people indulge in rice beer and delectable evening snacks. Following this, the amazing Hornbill National Concert takes place.
Hornbill Festival 2025 dates Tickets Price
You must purchase entry tickets if you want to attend the event. The cost ranges between 20 and 30 INR. You must register with the district's FRO (Foreigners Registration Office) if you are an international visitor. You need an inner-line permit from the local government if you are a domestic tourist.
Please Note: For cameras, you will have to pay an additional charge of INR 50.
History of Hornbill Festival Nagaland
The State Tourism and Art and Culture Department of Nagaland is in charge of planning this event each year. The festival was first held in 2000, and since then, it has become a yearly tradition in Nagaland.
People travel from across the nation to attend the festival since it has been such a big success.
The Hornbill Festival will again occur at Naga Heritage Village, 12 kilometres from Kohima, the state capital. The locals participate in the event to showcase and preserve their distinct cultures and tribes
Read More: Festival of Nagaland
Major Attractions of Hornbill Festival 2025
Hornbill Festival is one of the most prominent festivals of India, celebrated with infinite zest and fervour. The festival features a wide array of traditional music and dance performances with other major attractions. If this excites you, then mate, quickly scroll down to know more!
1. Sneak Peek into the Tribal Art Through Exhibition. The week-long festival has a lot of stuff that will grab your attention. Paintings, sculptures, wood carvings, handicraft items and much more are displayed in the exhibition. A lot of stuff is also displayed to be sold, which travellers may buy for personal use or as souvenirs.
2. Fun Activities and Cultural Performances. Apart from the awareness and traditional culture-promoting activities, the festival has a lot more in store for you. Many folk dance performances and folk music performances are scheduled to entertain guests from across the country. Apart from the cultural performances, the festival also displays traditional sports and ethnic food to grab the eyeballs.
3. Hornbill Night. The festival's highlight is the ‘hornbill night’, when all the tribes come together to sing and dance around a bonfire. The festival is a time for celebration, reflection, and prayers for a prosperous year ahead. It is a time when people put aside their differences and come together as one community. The Hornbill Festival is a unique and special event that should not be missed.
How To Reach Hornbill Festival 2025
Surrounded by natural beauty, majestic hills and serene views, Kohima is the best place for a relaxing vacation. Some most visited tourist destinations in Kohima are Shilloi Lake, Naga Heritage Village, Kohima Zoo, Kohima Museum, and Khonoma Village.
There are several convenient ways to get here, and some of the finest ones are given here.
- Nearest Major City. Imphal
- Nearest Airport. Dimapur Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Dimapur Railway station
- Distance from Imphal. 219 Km
By Air
Dimapur Airport is the only airport in the state which is approx. After checking out from the airport, tourists can take a taxi or a bus to cover the rest of the distance. For international flights, the nearest airport is Guwahati.
You may also find connecting flights to Dimapur with a layover at the Kolkata airport from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. If coming from Guwahati Airport, Air India also offers direct flights.
- Distance from Dimapur Airport. 73.1 Km
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By Rail
Dimapur Railway Station is the nearest station to reach Naga Heritage Village. From the station, one must travel via bus or a taxi to reach the festival venue.
Dimapur railway station receives regular and frequent trains from Kolkata and Guwahati hence one may consider travelling by rail route as well. Kamrup Express from Howrah Junction to Dimapur can be considered.
- Distance from Dimapur Railway Station. 77.6 km
By Road
If road trips excite you or if you are interested in exploring the highways and the byways of India, then travelling to Naga Heritage village by road for the Hornbill Festival can be a memorable experience. Following is an estimate of the distance in kilometres and the best route you may take to reach the city.
- Distance from Dimapur - 74 km via NH 29
- Distance from Nagaon - 240 km via NH 27 and 29
- Distance from Tezpur - 287 km via NH 27
- Distance from Guwahati - 357 km via NH 27
- Distance from Shillong - 416 km via AH1/AH2
- Distance from Kolkata - 1300 km via NH 27
Another comfortable and budget-friendly way to reach here is via inter-state tourist buses. There are regular buses from Dimapur and Guwahati to Kohima
So, are you excited about this soul-stirring Hornbill festival? It is also a wonderful opportunity to sample some delicious Naga cuisine. If you are looking for a truly unique cultural experience, make sure you add Hornbill Festival to your travel plans! Don’t wait more and get your vacation planned with Adotrip.com. Have a chance to receive unbelievable deals and discounts on your purchase! Hurry up now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hornbill Festival 2025
Q1. Where is the Hornbill Festival held every year?
A1. The Hornbill Festival is held every year at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 kilometers from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. This scenic venue hosts the vibrant cultural displays of all Naga tribes in one grand event.
Q2. What is the national festival of 2025?
A2. In India, the national festival in 2025 will be Independence Day on August 15, celebrated with flag hoisting, cultural programs, and patriotic events across the country. Republic Day on January 26 and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 are also observed as national festivals.
Q3. What is the biggest festival in Nagaland?
A3. The Hornbill Festival is the biggest and most famous festival in Nagaland. Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” it unites all the tribes of the state, showcasing their cultural heritage through traditional dances, music, food, and handicrafts.
Q4. What is Asia's biggest tribal festival?
A4. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is often regarded as Asia’s biggest tribal festival. It draws thousands of visitors from around the world who come to experience the diverse traditions, arts, and cuisine of the Naga tribes.
Q5. Which food is famous in Nagaland?
A5. Nagaland is famous for its smoked pork, prepared with bamboo shoots and flavorful local spices. Other popular dishes include axone (fermented soybean), bamboo shoot curry, smoked fish, and a variety of spicy chutneys made with Naga king chili.
