Experience Nagaland’s cultural heartbeat this winter at the Hornbill Festival 2025, where traditions, tribal unity, and breathtaking landscapes come alive through music, art, and food.
Amid the misty winter hills of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival transforms the serene northeast into a grand showcase of colour, heritage, and harmony. Organised by the State Tourism and Art and Culture Departments, the festival celebrates the spirit of the Naga tribes, honouring their folklore and customs through captivating performances and warm community engagement.
Scheduled from December 1 to December 10, 2025, at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima, this event brings together all 17 major tribes of Nagaland in one cultural space. The scenic village, located just 12 kilometres from Kohima, reflects authentic tribal architecture and serves as the ideal setting for this ten-day extravaganza.
Visitors can witness traditional dances, folk music, war re-enactments, and craft exhibitions that tell the story of the Naga people. Each tribal morung, a traditional hut, acts as a living museum where travellers can experience art, woodwork, weaving, and everyday traditions up close.
The Hornbill Festival also features indigenous sports such as wrestling, archery, and mock battles, highlighting the community’s courage and unity. Food lovers can explore local delicacies like smoked pork, bamboo shoot curries, and millet beer across stalls that showcase the flavours of Nagaland.
To attend, Indian citizens must obtain an Inner Line Permit via ilp.nagaland.gov.in, while foreign visitors need a Protected Area Permit. Kohima is easily accessible by air through Dimapur Airport and by road from Guwahati or Shillong.
The Hornbill Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable cultural experience rooted in history, nature, and togetherness.
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