Nagaland, which was once famous for the insurgencies, has now become a tourist delight including but not limited to Indians but for people from all corners of the world.
The Hornbill Festival, a culturally loaded festival in the Northeast, is an annual celebration held in Nagaland from December 1 to 10. The festival not only represents all ethnic groups of Nagaland but is also renowned for preserving unity among tribes, conveying a message of global peace. The 2023 Hornbill Festival commenced with fervour on Friday as millions of tourists from around the globe visited Kisama village, a heritage Naga village, to experience unity and cultural diversity. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the Hornbill Festival was a culmination of the state’s tourism slogan “Land of Festivals”.
Claire, who travelled all the way from England for the festival,said , “I have come all the way from England to get to know the cultural diversity of Nagaland. I have heard a lot about the Hornbill festival and I think this is my entry to find out more about Nagaland and also India.”
The festival in Nagaland has gained international traction, with US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, expressing enchantment with the vibrant cultural extravaganza. Sharing his experience on X (formerly Twitter), Ambassador Garcetti wrote, “The Hornbill Festival is mesmerizing. I’ve loved meeting so many people and learning about the different Naga communities they represent. I’m proud and honored that the United States is joining Germany as the partner nations for this year’s festival.”
Vardhan, a corporate engineer from Karnataka who came to Kisama village to attend the festival said, “This is quite a unique culture that we are witnessing here, even as Indians, we have not yet explored so much within our country. I have taken leave from the office just to explore Nagaland.”
The different attractions at the festival include displays from tribes such as Angami, Rengma, Zeliang, Konyak, Lotha, Sumi, and 16 other tribes. The attractions also welcome tribes common in Assam, Manipur, and Mizoram, such as the Kachari tribe from Assam and the Kuki tribe with indigenous roots in both Manipur and Mizoram.
The Governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, said, “Every tribe has its own music and unique way of exhibiting it. Foreign delegates were also enjoying the program. I congratulated CM Neiphiu Rio as well.”
Food is a crucial aspect of the Hornbill Festival, with traditional kitchens set up to celebrate the unique way of cooking among Naga tribes. “We have our own ways of cooking in Nagaland. Right now, we are preparing Axone Pork, which is the most popular delicacy in the state,” said Sumi, the chef who was in charge of traditional cooking.
