Hornbill Festival

The Hornbill festival is a celebration held every year in the first week of December, in Nagaland, North-east India.[1] It is also called as the 'Festival of Festivals'.

Land of festivals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at the Inauguration of the Hornbill Festival, 2014

The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with appreciation and fervor. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve around agriculture. They consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is essential.[2]

Nagaland is known as the land of festivals, as each tribe celebrates its own festival with dedication and passion. Some of the important festivals celebrated by the Naga people are:

Zeliang Naga Tribesmen of Nagaland, India rehearsing their traditional dance during Hornbill Festival.
Festival Tribe Month
Tsukhenyie Chakhesangs January
Mimkut Kukis January
Bishu Kacharis January
Sekrenyi Angamis February
Aoling Konyaks April
Moatsu Aos May
Tuluni Sumis July
Nyaknylum Changs July
Mongmong Sangtams September
Tokhu Emong Lothas November
Yemshe Pochuris October

To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December, starting in the year 2000.[3]

Celebrating the Hornbill Festival

Naga tribesmen at Kisama during the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland.

Organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof. This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 7th of December every year in Kohima.[4]

Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.[1]

For visitors it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland.[5]

Festival activities

Greater Indian Hornbill

The Festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in folklore in most of the state’s tribes.

The week-long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display.[6]

Festival highlights include the Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley - songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert.[1]

The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. The festival both exposes the culture and tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagaland’s identity as a unique state in India’s federal union.

Traditional arts are also featured, with paintings, wood carvings and sculptures by modern Naga artists on display. Naga troupes sing folk songs, perform traditional dances and play indigenous games and sports. In the evenings a programme of music concerts, catering for all tastes, ensure that the festive spirit continues through the night.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Hornbill Festival
  2. ↑ Hornbill Festival - Where the Action is..., EF News International. 16 November 2011.
  3. ↑ Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, India-north-east.com
  4. ↑ Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, India-north-east.com
  5. ↑ Festivals of India
  6. ↑ Nagaland's Hornbill Festival Goes International. Outlook India.com. 1 December 2009.

External links

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