Hornbill Festival 2023: A Cultural Extravaganza in Nagaland

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Hornbill Festival 2023: Nagaland’s Cultural Extravaganza Welcomes Assam as Partner State

Hornbill-Festival-2023-Nagaland
Hornbill Festival 2023: A Cultural Extravaganza in Nagaland 2

Kohima, November 2023: The Hornbill Festival, often hailed as the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ is set to commence its 24th edition on December 1, 2023, in Nagaland, a state renowned for its vibrant culture and rich heritage.

Venue of Hornbill Festival 2023: Naga Heritage Village at Kisama which is around 12 km from state capital Kohima, is the venue of this festival.

Dates of Hornbill Festival 2023: This festival will begin on the 1st of December 2023 and ends on the 10th of December 2023.

This year’s festival is not just a celebration of Naga traditions but also marks a significant collaboration with Assam, announced as the Partner State for the event.

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A Partnership for Cultural Exchange:

In a recent tweet, Nagaland’s Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership: “I am happy to announce Assam as Partner State of the #HornbillFestival2023. My gratitude to the Hon’ble @CMOfficeAssam Shri @himantabiswa Ji for your positive response and making this partnership a reality. Welcome, Amazing Assam to the #LandOfFestivals!”

In a heartfelt response to the partnership announcement for the Hornbill Festival 2023, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his honor and privilege for Assam to collaborate with Nagaland. In his tweet, he stated, “Hon’ble Chief Minister, it is an absolute privilege for Assam to join hands with Nagaland for the upcoming Hornbill Festival. This festival has emerged as one of the greatest platforms to showcase the shared cultural heritage of North East.”

This collaboration is expected to enhance the cultural exchange and strengthen the bonds between the two states, offering a richer experience to the festival attendees.

A Glimpse into Naga Culture

The Hornbill Festival, named after the culturally significant hornbill bird, is a 10-day event held at the heritage village of Kisama, near Kohima. It showcases a tapestry of colorful costumes, pulsating rhythms, and musical stories, representing the culture, heritage, and traditions of Nagaland’s 16 major tribes.

Also Read: Arijit Singh’s Concert For Harmony: Guwahati to Host the Legendary Singer

What to Expect at the Festival

This year’s festival is packed with a variety of events, including a wrestling championship, dance competitions, and a vlogging contest. Over 800 musicians from around the globe, including Bolivia, Korea, Germany, and Israel, will perform, alongside local artists. The festival will also feature exhibitions of crafts and handloom products, and a food festival highlighting Naga cuisine.

For the Tourists: Tips and Information

Tourists planning to visit the Hornbill Festival should note the following:

  • Entry and Camera Fees: Passes for the festival can be purchased at the venue at ₹20-₹30 per day, with an additional charge of ₹50 for cameras.
  • Inner Line Permit: Visitors not from Nagaland should obtain an inner line permit from the local government.
  • Accommodations: Partnering with Liamtra for accommodations, tourists are advised to book their stay in advance due to the expected high turnout.
  • Safety Measures: With the anticipated footfall of over two lakh visitors, local authorities have taken measures to ensure the safety and comfort of tourists.

A Prelude to the Silver Jubilee

Tourism Minister, Temjen Imna Along, referred to this edition as a ‘special edition’ and a prelude to the silver jubilee edition of the Mega Hornbill Festival in 2024. He emphasized the festival as an experience of a lifetime, showcasing the traditional, cultural, and contemporary Naga way of life.

A United Celebration

The festival also represents the unity of the Nagas, with the participation of various Naga tribes and the Eastern Naga Peoples’ Organisation. This year’s festival is expected to surpass the previous year’s footfall, which recorded a total of 1,40,299 visitors, including foreign, domestic, and local attendees.

Conclusion

The Hornbill Festival 2023 promises to be a grand celebration of culture and tradition, offering an immersive experience into the heart of Naga heritage. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of India’s North-East and is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the diverse cultural landscapes of India.

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