Hornbill Festival
1–10 December every year
The Hornbill Festival was started by the Nagaland government in 2000 to bring the state's tribes together and to present their cultures to visitors. It takes its name from the great hornbill, a bird that appears in the songs, dress and stories of almost every Naga tribe. The setting is Kisama Heritage Village, a hillside site south of Kohima where each tribe has built a morung, the traditional communal house, in its own architectural style.
Each day follows a programme of performances in the central arena: war dances, harvest songs, log drum ceremonies, traditional games and wrestling, with dancers in feathered headdresses, cowrie shells, spears and woven shawls. Around the arena, the morungs serve food and rice beer, and craft stalls sell textiles, carvings, beadwork and bamboo work. Evenings bring rock concerts and events in Kohima town, including a night market.
For visitors, the festival is a rare chance to see so many Naga traditions in one place. It is busy, especially at weekends, and Kohima's limited rooms sell out months ahead. We plan visits for the first five days, arrive at Kisama early each morning, and spend at least one day away from the festival in Khonoma or at the War Cemetery.
How to do it well
- Book Kohima rooms by July; homestays in Kigwema and Jakhama, close to Kisama, are a good alternative.
- Arrive at Kisama by 9 am for photography in good light and before the largest crowds.
- Indians need a Nagaland ILP; foreigners need a Protected Area Permit unless relaxed for the festival, so check current status before you travel.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
When is the Hornbill Festival held?
Every year from 1 to 10 December at Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 km south of Kohima, Nagaland. The dates are fixed, which makes planning easier than for lunar festivals. Daily programmes run from morning to late afternoon, with evening events in Kohima town.
How do I get to the Hornbill Festival?
Fly to Dimapur, about 74 km from Kohima, and drive 2.5 to 3 hours. From Kohima, Kisama is a 20 to 30 minute drive, with traffic heavy during the festival. Your driver will handle drop-offs and parking. Some shuttles run from Kohima town.
Do foreigners need a permit for the Hornbill Festival?
Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit for Nagaland, reimposed in December 2024, though the requirement was relaxed for Hornbill 2025. Rules may differ each year. Indians need a Nagaland ILP. Check current status before you travel and apply early.
How many days should I spend at the Hornbill Festival?
Two or three days at Kisama is enough for most visitors, with other days spent at Khonoma, the War Cemetery or Dzukou Valley. The first half of the festival is usually less crowded. A five-night stay in Kohima suits most of our guests.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
