Nagaland Gears Up for 25th Hornbill Festival Celebration

The Department of Tourism in Nagaland is set to celebrate the 25th Hornbill Festival, marking its silver jubilee from December 1 to 10 at the Heritage Village, Kisama. Dr. G. Hukugha Sema, Commissioner and Secretary for Tourism, expressed excitement, stating it’s going to be a remarkable festival.

Tourism Secretary Remarks

• The tourism secretary G Hukugha Sema urged the tribal organizations to help make this event grand for all, especially for the tourists. 
• He stressed on the importance of ensuring the comfort of tourists, who will be treated as “special guests” during the 10-day festival. 
• He urged the tribal organizations to cooperate with the government in creating a welcoming environment for the thousands of domestic and international visitors expected to attend.

Details & History of Festival

Starting Year 

• The Hornbill Festival came to life in 2000.

Reason  

• In an effort to preserve and protect the diverse cultures of tribal communities by the Government of Nagaland. 

Reference 

• The festival is named after the Hornbill bird, which is deeply respected in the state and features prominently in Naga folktales and songs.

Cultural Celebration

• The festival is a tribute to this bird, known for its qualities of grandeur and alertness.
• The bird is also closely identified with the social and cultural life of the Nagas, as reflected in various tribal dances, songs and folktales.
• Hornbill festival exposes the culture and tradition of the tribal people and reinforces the identity of the Nagaland.

A Celebration of Naga Culture

• The Hornbill Festival, organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments.
• It is a vibrant showcase of Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage. 
• Held annually between December 1st and 10th in Kohima, this festival brings together various tribes to celebrate their traditions in a spectacular display.

Festival Activities and Attractions

• Cultural Displays: A blend of cultural displays representing various tribes.
• Music Festival: Accompanied by a popular music festival that adds to the festivities.
• Traditional Arts: Showcase of traditional arts, including paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures.
• Food and Crafts: Includes stalls for food, herbal medicine, and local crafts.

Nomenclature:

• The festival is named after the bird “Indian hornbill”, which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes.
• There are 9 hornbill species in India of which Great Hornbill is the most famous.

Other Name : It is also called the ‘Festival of Festivals’.

General Information about Great Hornbill

Scientific name: Buceros bicornis.

Common name: Great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill.

Range

• It is found in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• The bulk of the population is found in India, where it is restricted to the Himalayan foothills, hill forests in northeast India and, disjunctly, the wet evergreen forests of west India.

Conservation

• IUCN Status: Near Threatened.
• It is listed in Appendix I of CITES.

Importance

• Its impressive size and color have made it important in many tribal cultures and rituals.
• The great hornbill is the state bird of Kerala and Arunachal in India.
• It is not a state bird of Nagaland, although the hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland.
• Nagaland’s state bird is: Blyth’s Tragopan.