Chiiz – Volume 2 2017

H

ornbill Festival is the most awaited,

and anticipated festival for the people

of Nagaland. This festival symbolizes

solidarity which binds the inhabitants

of different tribes who come to a single

platform to showcase their culture and

traditions to the outside world. These

are the customs which they have been

following for centuries, and were passed

down to them by their ancestors.

The state of Nagaland is one of the smallest

states in India, which shares its borders with

Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Burma, and

Manipur and is inhabited by 17 tribes which

are known for their unique and unorthodox

practices. Angami, Ao, Chakhesang,

Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak,

Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma,

Sangtam, Sumi, Yimchunger, and Zeme-

Liangmai (Zeliang) are the major tribes as

well as some of the subtribes are among the

few major participants.

This festival is celebrated in an open air

museum at the Naga Heritage Village,

Kisama which is located 12 kms to the

south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.

Being known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’,

this open-air museum offers a vibrant

culture of the 16 officially recognized

tribes of Nagaland which are exhibited

with each tribe being represented in their

respective traditional houses or Morungs

(Youth dormitory). The festival is named

after the majestic hornbill, which has its

history rooted in most of the state’s tribal

folklores. All members of the different

tribes talk about the majestical stories of

this bird when they meet at the festival.

Traditionally, hornbill’s feathers are used

for display on headwear, which is made of

boar’s teeth and orchid stems.

This festival was the result of government’s

step to promote tourism in the state, with

an underlying objective of promoting the

rich heritage & culture to the world and

also to keep the tribal spirit ignited among

the people of Nagaland. Different tribes in

Nagaland enjoy myriad of festivals based

on their agrarian calendar which makes

it a land of festivals. Predominantly, the

economy of the state is dependent on

agriculture and is known for their principal

crops like rice, corn, millets, pulses,

tobacco, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes,

and fibre. Most of the festivals of tribals

in Nagaland revolves around agriculture

based on the harvesting of different crops.

Naga’s are also known for their highly

spirited and brave warriors who have

gained the ability and art to conquer battles

for their tribes. This Festival is the biggest

celebration for all the indigenous warriors,

who had fought battles for the protection

and preservation of their tribes. On this

special event, songs are sung for all the

brave warriors. Each tribe in Nagaland

has their own traditional ceremonial

attire, including multi-colored spears,

ivory armlets, dyed goat’s hair, and exotic

headgears.

This festival is organised by the State

Tourism and Arts & Cultural Department

of Nagaland. This festival is celebrated every

year from 1st to December 10th with lots of

enthusiasm and religious spirit among the

members of each tribe. The place welcomes

tourists with full warmth and love at the

venue by addressing them with cultural

artistry, music, multi-cuisine, dances, and

HORNBILL FESTIVAL: Symbol Of Unity In Diversity

Tushar Sharma

[email protected]

Tushar Sharma is an

advocate by profession.

He believes that

“thoughts are not just

merely an expression of

someone’s idea, rather

they are a voice that brings a change and can

provide the world with a new perspective to think and

contemplate different ideas''

Will Kill You With My Smile

Nikon D700 35mm F/4 1/1250s ISO200

Manish Lakhani

Gujarat, India

66 Vol 2