Nagaland is gearing up for the 23rd edition of the ‘Hornbill Festival,’ a vibrant celebration aiming to preserve and restore Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage by showcasing its grandeur and glorious traditional values.

The festival scheduled to be held from December 1-10 has its permanent venue at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, around 12 km away from the state capital Kohima.

Organized by the Department of Tourism and Department of Art & Culture, this tourism extravaganza also dubbed the “Festival of Festivals” intends to explore the state’s potential in revamping the eco-tourism sector for socio-economic growth as well as showcase the rich Naga traditions and culture.

Following the upcoming celebration, a coordination meeting was convened with tribal hohos (apex Naga traditional bodies) on Monday. During the meeting, the officials solicited the assistance of concerned stakeholders and addressed the necessary measures to be initiated for organizing the event in a grandiose manner.

Addressing the meeting, the Advisor of Tourism and Art & Culture H. Khehovi Yepthomi pointed out that the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the celebrations in 2020 while the killing of civilians at Oting in Mon district led to the calling off the event mid-way last year. Therefore, he stressed the need to create a successful event this year.

He also highlighted the positive aspects of this festival and how it contributes to Nagaland’s inclusion in the world map of tourism.

The state administration is leaving no stone unturned to make the ‘Hornbill Festival’ a grand success this year incorporating new ideas and concepts.

However, seven tribal hohos under Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) did not attend Monday’s meeting, alleging negligence towards them during the festivities.

Located on NH 39, the Kisama Heritage Village is designed in the form of an ancient Naga village to give an authentic feel of a true Naga village and the experience of travelling back in time.

The Hornbill festival was first initiated by the State Government. Over a decade, the festival has grown both in grandeur and scale reaching out to a cross-section of people worldwide.

Considered one of the fastest-growing festivals in India, it is a calendar event of the Nagaland Government and is organized by the State Tourism along with the  Art and Culture Department every year.