Hornbill Festival

Introduction: The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural festival organized by the Government of Nagaland to showcase the traditions, arts, music, cuisine and heritage of the state's Naga communities.

Key pointers

  • State: Nagaland.

  • Usual venue: Kisama Heritage Village, near Kohima.

  • Usual period: Early December, traditionally 1–10 December.

  • Organiser: Government of Nagaland.

  • Purpose: Promote cultural preservation, tourism and interaction among Naga communities.

  • Activities: Traditional dances, folk music, indigenous games, handicrafts and local cuisine.

  • Name origin: Named after the hornbill, a bird with cultural significance among several Naga communities.

  • Economic importance: Promotes tourism and opportunities for local artisans and businesses.

UPSC focus: Hornbill Festival — Nagaland; it is a cultural event, not a wildlife census or conservation convention.