Nagaland proudly hosts the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival 2025, celebrated worldwide as the “Festival of Festivals,” from December 1st to 10th at the Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima. The festival brings the vibrant traditions of all 17 Naga tribes to life as they perform energetic folk dances, display traditional attire, play tribal music, and present stunning woodcarving, bamboo art, handicrafts, and authentic local cuisine.
This year, several international partner countries join the celebration, adding a new global dimension to cultural exchange. If you want to experience the true essence of Northeast India—its culture, natural beauty, and tribal heritage—the Hornbill Festival 2025 promises an unforgettable and immersive journey.
Date, location and focus :-
- The organizers will host the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival 2025 from December 1 to December 10, 2025.
- They will celebrate the event at Kisama Heritage Village, located about 12 km from Kohima.
- Each year, the festival brings the Naga tribes together as they showcase their shared cultural heritage, folk arts, and traditional customs on a vibrant and unified platform.
Partner Countries / Partners :-
This year’s Hornbill Festival includes the following partners:-
- Country Partners: France, Ireland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Malta, Austria
- State Partner: Arunachal Pradesh — a symbol of cultural partnership across Northeast India.
With the participation of partner countries, the festival also serves as a platform for cultural dialogue at the international level — through folk arts, music, handicrafts, and folk cuisine.
What activities/events to expect:-
- All 17 major Naga tribes perform traditional folk dances, play tribal music, showcase cultural instruments, display vibrant costumes, and demonstrate their unique customs.
- Artisans create and sell wood carvings, handmade jewelry, traditional textiles, bamboo crafts, and other unique handicrafts in the bustling Handicrafts Market.
- Local chefs and tribal communities serve authentic Naga cuisine, prepare special local delicacies, and present traditional tribal food to visitors.
- Naga youth and performers participate in folk games, stage war dramas, compete in archery, and display traditional sports and cultural performances.
- Musicians and bands energize the festival with live music and electrifying performances.
- This year, artists compete in “Ticket to Hornbill 2025,” India’s Biggest Band Battle, where winning domestic and international bands earn the chance to perform on the main Hornbill Festival stage.
Tickets, Permits & Travel :-
- Officials set the main entry pass at ₹150 per person.
- For 2025, the government relaxed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for foreign tourists, although it continues to require urgent clearance for visitors from countries such as Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh.
- This year, the administration streamlined all arrangements—police, traffic, security, and transportation—to improve entry management and enhance overall event facilities.
Important Points for Competition Exams :-
- People call the Hornbill Festival the “Festival of Festivals.”
- Kisama Heritage Village hosts it every year.
- Nagaland is hosting the 26th Hornbill Festival from December 1–10, 2025.
- All 17 Naga tribes take part in this festival.
- France, Ireland, Switzerland, the UK, Malta, and Austria are serving as partner countries in 2025.
- This festival showcases Nagaland’s cultural heritage, traditions, art, and cuisine.
- The Government of India waives the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirement for foreign tourists during this period.
- The Naga tribes consider the Hornbill bird a symbol of honor and heritage.
- Visitors enjoy the major attractions, including the Naga Warrior Dance, Log Drum Beating, and the Tribal Food Festival.
- The Nagaland government organizes this festival as its largest tourism promotion event.
FAQ Section — Hornbill Festival 2025 :-
- Q1. When and where will the Hornbill Festival 2025 be held?
- Organizers will host the festival from December 1 to 10, 2025, at Kisama Heritage Village in Kohima, Nagaland.
- Q2. What is the purpose of this festival?
- The festival aims to showcase the culture, traditions, dance, music, art, and handicrafts of the Naga tribes to the world.
- Q3. Why is the Hornbill Festival called the “Festival of Festivals”?
- People call it the “Festival of Festivals” because it presents the cultural traditions of all major Naga tribes on a single platform.
- Q4. Are there any special arrangements for foreign tourists?
- Yes, the government waives the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements for foreign tourists during the festival.
- Q5. What are the main attractions of the Hornbill Festival?
- The festival features the Naga Warrior Dance, live band shows, the Tribal Food Festival, the Night Carnival, Log Drum performances, and a vibrant handicraft market.
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