The
Hornbill Festival a celebration, held every year in the first week of
December, in Nagaland, North-east India. The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their
festivals with gusto and fervor. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland
depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve round
agriculture. They consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these
festivals is compulsory. he Festival is named after the Indian Hornbill,
the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in folklore in most of
the state’s tribes.
The week long
festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful
performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional
arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display.
Festival highlights
include the Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and
Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural
Medley - songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga
wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert.
The Hornbill Festival
provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games,
sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. The festival both exposes the
culture and tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagaland
’s identity as a unique state in India’s federal union.
Traditional arts are
also featured, with paintings, wood carvings and sculptures by modern Naga
artists on display. Naga troupes sing folk songs, perform traditional dances
and play indigenous games and sports. In the evenings a programme of music
concerts, catering for all tastes, ensure that the festive spirit continues
through the night.
The sought after highlights of the festival include the
Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls,
Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows. The celebration is garnished with a
cultural medley of traditional songs and dances, fashion shows, beauty
contests, traditional archery, Naga wrestling, indigenous games, and even motor
rally.
The Hornbill Festival Festival is held From Dec 1 To 7