~Parishka Gupta
Every year in December, a small village named Kisama in the Indian state of Nagaland comes to life with a jubilant Hornbill festival thronging in every street. Vibrant colours, feathers, drinks and food go around the merry people. This year, the Hornbill festival of Nagaland is being held from the 1st to the 10th of December 2021 in the Kisama village in Kohima, Nagaland. Be sure to be there!
Here are a few facts about this amazing festival we bet you’ll love:
1. The Hornbill has been a symbol of the Nagas for the longest time now. A number of folklores float around along with folk songs about the Hornbill during the festival. The fulgent feathers of this bird were used to embellish the headgears of the Naga warriors back in the day.
2. These head gears that you just read about are a major part of the Hornbill festival! Apparently, fighters could wear these feathery head gears and ivory armlets only after they showcased their bravery. You can see an exotic assortment of feathered spears and headgears from different tribes.
3. Nagaland is made up of 16 beautiful tribes that can be distinguished by their unique jewellery and clothes. Every one of these tribes is on the centre stage with their amazing songs and dances. They all come together as one wholesome entity in the Hornbill festival, and their unity makes one smile through and through!
4. The art displays in the Hornbill festival are nothing less than absolutely captivating. Art connoisseurs from all around the globe take a trip to Nagaland; all for mini wood figurines. The traditional art here is definitely worth the trip and undoubtedly one of a kind!
5. If you fly to Nagaland only for its food, we don’t think it would be much of a surprise for anyone. One bite of Naga food and you’ll remember that the state that you’re sitting in is a giant producer of red chillies. Introduce your palate to some of the juicy flavours of Nagaland in this year’s Hornbill festival!