Inside the Hornbill Festival: What to Expect

Held every December at the Kisama Heritage Village outside Kohima, the Hornbill Festival brings together all sixteen of Nagaland's major recognised tribes for ten days of traditional dance, music, sport and food. Each tribe maintains its own morung, or traditional hut, at the heritage village, where visitors can see textile weaving, craft demonstrations and regional cuisine side by side. Evenings often feature contemporary music stages alongside the traditional programme, drawing a mix of cultural visitors and music festival-goers. Accommodation in Kohima books out well in advance for festival dates, so travellers planning a December trip should confirm stays several months ahead.