Hornbill Festival 2025: When It's Happening, What To Expect And How To Reach

Nagaland in winter becomes a misty wonderland with the crisp mountain breeze and rolling hills draped in fog. However, Nagaland's true charm lies in its special Hornbill Festival. So, if the North Eastern state is on your radar this winter, then you have to check out this one-of-a-kind festival. The Hornbill Festival, organised by the State Tourism and the Art & Culture Departments, is an annual celebration observed by the tribes of Nagaland. It is named after the state's cherished bird, aka the hornbill, featured in several folklores. The Hornbill Festival encourages inter-tribal interaction and cultural displays that amalgamate into a vibrant and colourful event like no other. 

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Hornbill Festival 2025: Venue And Dates

The Hornbill Festival is a 10-day celebration that kicks off on December 1 and continues till December 10. It takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, around 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland's capital.

The Hornbill festival is very popular among tourists from all over the country. 
Photo Credit: iStock

Hornbill Festival 2025: Major Attractions

1. Cultural Performances: Expect to witness a raw display of traditional dances, folk music, and war dances by various Naga tribes, rooted in customs. 

2. Tribal Morungs: With 17 tribes participating in the festival, you will be left in awe by the morungs aka decorated huts. They transform into interactive spaces where you are free to talk with the locals and learn more about their culture. 

3. Games & Sports: The tribals showcase their remarkable strength and skills through a range of activities, including mock battles, indigenous archery and wrestling. 

4. Art and Handicrafts: Besides the fun and fervour, tourists can also indulge in a wonderful shopping experience, purchasing handwoven shawls, bamboo products, tribal jewellery, and wood carvings, perfect to take back home as souvenirs or give them as gifts. 

5. Culinary Extravaganza: If you are a foodie, then you are in for a treat as the Hornbill Festival specialises in a myriad of delicious dishes such as smoked pork, fermented soybean curries, bamboo shoot delicacies and traditional rice beers. 

Hornbill Festival 2025: How To Attend

Indian travellers need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Nagaland. You can easily apply for it online at ilp.nagaland.gov.in. Meanwhile, foreign nationals, including OCI cardholders, require a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter the state.

Also Read: From Rann Utsav To Surajkund Craft Mela: 10 Unmissable Winter Festivals In India

Nagaland is a beautiful tourist destination.
Photo: Unsplash

Hornbill Festival 2025: How To Reach

By Air: Dimapur is the nearest airport to Nagaland. After reaching Dimapur, you can travel to Kohima by road, which usually takes 2 hours. 

By Rail: Dimapur is the major railhead, linked to Guwahati. 

By Road: A road trip to Nagaland is another option, as Kohima is well-connected to Shillong and Guwahati.