Know All About The Tribal Culture at Hornbill Festival
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Northeast India houses different tribes and their culture. This region is largely covered by forests and mountains that keep it isolated from the rest of the world. Around 60% of the population is dependent upon agriculture. The beauty and culture of the tribes cannot be seen anywhere else in India. Nagaland offers a glimpse of their tribal culture where different tribes are seen in their traditional attire. For the tribes, festivals are sacred and that is the reason why their taking part in these festivals is important.
Hornbill Festival was named and originated after the Indian hornbill which is a colourful and large forest bird as displayed in the folk stories of their tribes. It is celebrated every year from 1 December to 10 December in the city of tribes, Nagaland in Northeast India. It was organised by the Government of Nagaland to encourage and promote the inter-tribal interaction and cultural heritage to show the tribal culture at Hornbill Festival of Nagaland. The Hornbill Festival showcases the cultural extravaganza that celebrates not just the tribal culture but also diminishes the generation gap and strengthens the bond between different tribes. One is sure to be amazed and entertained while exploring the tribal culture at the Hornbill Festival.
Read on to know more about the Cultural Extravaganza of Hornbill Festival:
Highlights of Hornbill Festival
- The festival is organised to protect, revive, promote and sustain the traditions and cultural heritage of Nagaland.
- 17 major tribes of Nagaland come together to celebrate their culture including Angami, Chang, Sumi, Ao Chakhesang, Dimasa, Sangtam, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Garo, Kuki, Zeliang, Lotha, Yimchungru, Phom, Konyak Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam and Sumi.
- During the festival, all the tribes of Nagaland come together for interaction and displaying their age-old cultural traditions.
- The main events take place at the Heritage Village which is just 10 km away from Kohima.
- All the ancient caricatures and traditional huts are made in such a way that closely resembles their traditional paradise.
- Various traditional sports, dance and songs are played to display the cultural extravaganza of Hornbill Festival.
- From being a celebration of tradition and culture of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland has evolved into one big cultural event of 8 different Northeast States.
- During this festival, the biggest Rock Festival is also hosted in Kohima every year.
- They celebrate their tribal culture through dancing and singing that comes naturally to the tribal people of Nagaland.
- The night bazaar during the festival allows tribal people to come together and enjoy the finest delicacies signifying their culture.
Events that define the tribal culture of Hornbill Festival
A week-long festival that unites all the tribes in Nagaland and visitors are enjoying the crafts, food and colourful performances. The traditional arts include wood carvings, sculptures and paintings. The festival hosts the traditional Naga Morungs exhibition for the tribes and various competitions including Miss Nagaland Beauty contest, musical concert, traditional archery, fashion shows and indigenous games.
The tribal culture at Hornbill Festivals can be witnessed through the main events including The Hornbill Rock Festival, The Kohima Night Bazaar, North East Cultural Ensemble, Peace Rally on World War and Hornbill Adventure Rally. One can challenge others and take part in traditional contests including Pork Fat Eating Contest and King Chilly Eating Contest.
Read More – Exploring The North-East Places
Where to get the tickets?
You can get Hornbill Festival tickets at the entry gate only. It is Rs. 20 for entrance and Rs.30 for DSLR Camera and Rs.50 for Video Camera.
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FAQs
1.Can you give some tips for travelers visiting the festival for the first time?
- Always bargain at the shops to get the stuff at a reasonable rate.
- Pre-booking is must as it becomes difficult during the season to find accommodations.
- The nearest airport is Dimapur, there is no airport in Kohima.
- Get the brochure from the information center near the festival to know all about the events.
2.What happens at the Hornbill Festival?
The festival is organised by the government and various tribes of Nagaland participate. It features cultural and traditional dance performances and art exhibitions. All the tribes make replicas of their ancient tribal huts while competing with each other in various games and contests.
3.Where to meet the tribes during the festival?
The tribes can be seen in their Morungs i.e., meeting houses which they themselves made to showcase their ancient tribal culture. Each tribe has been given an area representing their particular village.
4.How to Reach the Hornbill Festival?
By Air: Dimapur airport is linked with Kolkata airport and is connected with major airlines. After that one had to travel by road to reach Kohima.
By Rail: The railway station is in Dimapur which is connected to Guwahati. Guwahati offers connectivity to the important railway junctions in the country.
By Road: Through road, it is advised to first reach Dimapur and after that proceed to Kohima. Kohima has connectivity to the important cities in Northeast India, Guwahati and Shillong.
Hornbill Festival | Nagaland | tribal culture
