26th Hornbill Festival 2025: Nagaland’s Grand Cultural Extravaganza Begins Dec 1–10

The much-awaited 26th Edition of Hornbill Festival, known as the “Festival of Festivals”, kicked off on 1st December 2025 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama (near Kohima), coinciding with Nagaland’s 62nd Statehood Day. Running until 10th December 2025, this 10-day celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of all major Naga tribes under one sky.

Dubbed India’s most vibrant cultural festival, Hornbill 2025 promises traditional dances, indigenous games, folk songs, handicrafts, authentic Naga cuisine, and the iconic night carnival.

Hornbill Festival 2025 – Key Highlights

• Dates: 1–10 December 2025
• Venue: Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, Kohima
• Theme: Celebration of Naga identity, unity, and living traditions
• Inaugurated by: Governor of Nagaland, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla
• Chief Guest (expected): High-profile dignitaries from centre and state

International & State Partners Join the Celebration

This year, the festival has gone truly global with six countries as official partners: United Kingdom | Ireland | France | Austria | Malta | Switzerland

Arunachal Pradesh participates as the State Partner, strengthening Northeast India’s cultural bond.

What to Experience at Hornbill Festival 2025

1. War Dances & Traditional Performances Witness the famous Ao war dance, Zeliang bamboo dance, and the energetic Sumi log drum performances.
2. Morungs (Traditional Tribal Huts) Each of Nagaland’s 17+ major tribes has its own beautifully decorated morung displaying artefacts, weapons, and lifestyle exhibits.
3. Indigenous Games Traditional wrestling, bamboo stilt races, and Naga king chilli eating competitions.
4. Handicrafts & Handlooms Bazaar Shop for authentic Naga shawls, bead jewellery, bamboo crafts, and wood carvings directly from artisans.
5. Food Street Savour smoked pork, axone (fermented soybean), rice beer, and other delicacies from across Naga tribes.
6. Hornbill Night Carnival Live music concerts featuring local and national bands, illuminated stalls, and cultural fusion performances.
7. Hornbill International Rock Contest (one of India’s oldest rock competitions)

Festival Spreads Across Nagaland

While Kisama remains the main venue, satellite events, cultural programs, and night bazaars are being organized in Kohima, Dimapur, and other districts, making the entire state part of the celebrations.

From Tourism Initiative to Global Brand

Launched in 2000 to promote Naga culture and boost tourism, the Hornbill Festival has evolved into one of Asia’s largest cultural events. It attracts over 2–3 lakh visitors annually, including thousands of foreign tourists.

Travel & Visitor Information (2025)

• Best time to visit: First week for maximum energy and events
• Entry Fee: ₹500–₹700 per day (Indian/foreign tourists)
• Accommodation: Book hotels in Kohima early; homestays and festival campsites available
• How to reach: → Fly to Dimapur Airport (70 km from Kohima) → Nearest railhead: Dimapur → Regular helicopters from Dimapur to Kohima during festival

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