Experiences

Hornbill Festival In Nagaland

The Hornbill Festival is all set to begin from December 1 to December 10 this year. It will take place in the scenic Kisama Heritage Village, located 12 km south of Kohima, Nagaland. Organised by the Government of Nagaland, through its Departments of Tourism and Art & Culture, this ten-day event brings together all 17 major Naga tribes for one of India’s most celebrated cultural showcases.

Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” Hornbill offers an open-air museum of Naga life, presenting a vibrant event consisting of regional music and dance performances, food experiences, and to witness the art and community spirit of the people. Set against Nagaland’s mist-covered hills, attending this festival can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore the true heritage and charm of this destination. If you’re planning a trip around this time, you can also explore various Nagaland tour packages that showcase the best of the region’s culture, nature, and local traditions.

Here are some of the key points that you need to keep in mind while planning a visit to attend the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland-

Date: December 1st to 10th December, 2025
Location: Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland
Organiser: Government of Nagaland (Tourism & Art and Culture Departments)
Purpose: Promote inter-tribal unity, safeguard indigenous heritage, and boost tourism in the northeast.
Ticket Price: INR 50 – INR 100 per person per day (+ extra charges for camera/video equipment).

This festival is more than an event, it is a living portrait of Nagaland’s unity, resilience, and joy. From rhythmic drumbeats echoing across the hills to the warmth of community kitchens, every moment at Kisama is a celebration of heritage and humanity. Whether you are travelling for culture, photography, or connection, this festival promises an experience that stays with you long after you leave the hills of Nagaland.

Hornbill Festival: All You Need To Know

01

History And Cultural Background

The Hornbill Festival began in 2000 as a state initiative to unite Nagaland’s diverse tribes on one platform. The festival takes its name from the great Indian hornbill, a revered bird in Naga folklore symbolising courage, pride, and prosperity.

Nagaland is home to 17 recognised tribes, some of which are the Ao, Angami, Konyak, Sumi, Zeliang, Kachari, and Rongmei. Each tribe has its own language, dress, food, and traditions. During the festival, every tribe sets up a morung (traditional hut) showcasing their unique art, crafts, and way of life. The event celebrates not just diversity, but the deep sense of kinship and harmony that binds Nagaland’s people together.

02

What Is The Hornbill Festival Famous For?

Cultural Performances: Daily traditional dances, folk songs, and warrior demonstrations by all 17 tribes.
Tribal Morungs: Authentic wooden huts that exhibit each tribe’s lifestyle, tools, and décor.
Indigenous Games: Archery, Naga wrestling, bamboo-pole climbing, and fire-making contests.
Cuisine: Local delicacies like smoked pork, bamboo shoot pickle, axone fermented soybean chutney, and traditional rice beer.
Art and Crafts: Hand-woven shawls, bamboo art, pottery, and bead jewellery.
Night Concerts: The Hornbill International Rock Contest and Night Bazaar create an energetic evening vibe.

03

Hornbill Festival: 10-Day Schedule

Given below is the festival schedule overview of Hornbill Festival 2025-

Day 1 (Dec 1): Opening ceremony, grand parade, and mass tribal dance show.
Days 2 – 8: Daily cultural shows with regional instruments, unique tribal performances, indigenous sport events, food and craft fairs.
Evenings: Night Bazaar, fashion shows, Hornbill Rock Contest, and fusion concerts.
Day 10 (Dec 10): Closing ceremony with final performances and farewell gathering.

Travellers can also extend their visit in addition to attending the festival through Thrillophilia’s Northeast Tour Packages, covering Meghalaya, Assam, or Arunachal Pradesh.

Hornbill Festival: Tickets And Passes

04

Tickets & Passes Details

The Hornbill Festival 2025 offers multiple ticket types to suit different travellers. Daily entry tickets typically cost INR 50 to INR 100 per person per day, while separate passes are issued for special events like the Hornbill International Rock Festival.

Multi-day passes and inclusive packages are also available, allowing flexible and convenient access to the festival and its various attractions.

05

Types Of Tickets And Passes

General Entry (Daily):
Grants access to the main festival grounds at Kisama Heritage Village. It’s the most common and affordable option for visitors attending for a day or two.

Special Event Passes:
Exclusive passes are required for premium events such as the Hornbill International Rock Festival or cultural night shows. These have separate ticketing systems and limited availability.

Multi-Day Passes:
Ideal for travellers attending the festival for several days, these passes allow entry across multiple dates without daily purchases and often come at a discounted rate.

Camera Permit:
A separate camera permit (approx. INR 50) is required for photography and videography inside the venue. It helps regulate professional and media use of visuals during performances.

06

How To Buy Tickets

Online Booking:
Visitors can purchase tickets online through the official Nagaland Tourism portal or verified booking websites once sales open. Online booking is recommended for early access and convenience.

Offline Purchase:
Tickets are also available at on-ground counters at Kisama Heritage Village during the festival, however, exclusive tickets may be limited. Payment is generally accepted in cash or through major digital modes.

07

Important Tips

Buying tickets early is highly recommended, especially for weekends and opening or closing days when queues are long.
An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for Indian citizens to enter Nagaland. It can be applied for online via the official ILP portal.
Foreign nationals must hold a valid Indian visa (e-Visa accepted) and should register with the local police or Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) if staying in restricted or rural zones.
Keep a printed or digital copy of your ticket and ID handy at the entry gate.
Multi-day and event passes are non-transferable and must be presented along with valid identification.

Essential Information For Planning Your Visit To Hornbill Festival

08

How To Reach Kisama, Nagaland

By Air: Fly to Dimapur, then get transferred to Kohima by a car or shared taxis, covering 70 km in 2.5 hours. You can take a connecting flight or a direct flight, as per availability from your source destination.
By Rail: Dimapur Railway Station is the closest rail hub, with regular services running from Delhi and Guwahati.

Note: An Inner Line Permit may also be required for Indian Nationals to enter Nagaland, even for the Hornbill Festivals.

09

Accommodation Options

Hotels in Kohima: Comfortable mid-range and premium options available (most accommodations sell out weeks before the festival begins, so it is essential to book early).
Homestays near Kisama: Ideal for experiencing authentic tribal hospitality and cultural interaction.
Eco-camps and Tents: Festival organisers set up temporary camps for budget travellers. You can reach out to the organisers to confirm your spot.

10

What To Pack For The Hornbill Festival?

The weather in Nagaland during December is cold and dry, so consider packing mindfully for a comfortable travel experience.

Warm jackets and layered clothing for cool evenings (5 °C – 15 °C).
Pack medicines, wet tissues, and toiletries since the resources are limited there.
Comfortable walking shoes for walking on the hilly terrains.
Umbrella or light rain jacket in case of occasional drizzle.
Government-issued ID and Inner Line Permit (ILP).
Cash for eating at food stalls and exploring local shops (limited card acceptance).
Power bank, camera, and eco-friendly water bottle.

11

Souvenirs And Shopping

Each purchase supports village artisans and keeps Naga craftsmanship alive, so consider shopping locally for these following souvenirs-

Hand-woven Naga shawls and blankets.
Cane and bamboo craft items like baskets, trays, decorative pieces.
Beaded necklaces and colourful tribal jewellery.
Wood-carved sculptures and regional musical instruments.
Organic spices, pickles, and local tea, which are some of the most renowned things to shop for.

12

Responsible And Sustainable Tourism

It is very crucial to follow responsible and sustainable tourism in Nagaland, so keep the following points in mind while exploring-

Always ask before taking photographs of locals.
Avoid single-use plastics; carry your own bottle and bag.
Respect tribal customs and ceremonial spaces.
Support local stalls and homestays for authentic experiences.
Leave no litter, and help preserve Nagaland’s natural beauty.

13

Can I Explore Nagaland While Attending Hornbill Festival?

Absolutely. Many travellers combine the festival with cultural and nature excursions around the destination with Nagaland tour packages. Top add-ons include Khonoma Eco Village, Dzüko Valley, Japfu Peak, Tuophema Village, and the historic Kohima Battle Museum. Each of these places add context and depth to your Hornbill experience, showcasing Nagaland’s harmony between nature and tradition.

These are some travel itineraries that you can consider booking as per your preferred duration-

4 Days/3 Nights- Dimapur - Kohima - Tuophema - Khonoma - Dimapur
6 Days/5 Nights- Dimapur - Kohima - Imphal - Loktak Lake - Imphal
7 Days/6 Nights- Dimapur - Kohima - Tuophema - Khonoma - Kaziranga - Guwahati
9 Days/8 Nights- Dimapur - Kohima - Tuophema - Khonoma - Imphal - Bishnupur - Loktak Lake - Imphal

Nagaland Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Nagaland

Explore Nagaland

Kohima Cathedral Church

This is Asia's largest cathedral, as well as an incredibly stunning piece of architecture.Location: M433+2R7, Aradurah Hill, Kohima, Nagaland 797005Timing: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM