When Is The Hornbill Festival 2025? What Are The Main Attractions? How To Reach, Permits And More
I can clearly hear the clarion call, and the air of Nagaland gets filled with the sound of Nkhuangh, Syamtuaic, Bamhum, and Mrabung as the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) finally announces the Toyota Hornbill Music Festival 2025.
Theja Meru, the chairman of TaFMA, organized a press conference at Kohima, and while announcing this chapter of the festival, said that the Horbill Festival is one of the most significant cultural events of Nagaland.
Furthermore, it has helped Nagaland earn global recognition despite its commitment to promoting local musicians. In fact, when I visited the 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival in 2024, I understood why Gary Mehigan, in his NatGeoIndia video, has called the Hornbill Festival “One of the most action-packed mega festivals.”
He also said that it is a “celebration that brings Nagaland’s past and present together.” Indeed, from Naga wrestling, archery shows, and tribal music acts to the Rock Concern or the “Ticket to Hornbill,” it is a wholesome cultural extravaganza.
Moreover, the Hornbill Festival has recently bagged the Silver Banyan Award for Best Cultural Music & Dance by THE WEEK Heritage Awards. Gajendra Singh Shekawat, the Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, handed over this award in New Delhi.
So, it’s time to find the details about the 26th chapter of the Hornbill Festival, and I hope this time, it will surpass the number of 205,968 visitors in 2024 (Source: The Morung Express) by a huge margin.
When Is The Hornbill Festival 2025?
Like every year, the Hornbill Festival 2025 will also take place from 1st to 10th December.
Along with the local artists and artists from various parts of India, performers from Japan, Nepal, Israel, South Korea, Scotland, and Ireland will participate in this edition of the festival.
And the best thing about this edition? Drum Tao is back! They were like out of the world in the 2024 edition, and I can never explain how it felt.
Vikheho Sema, the managing director of Toyota (Nagaland), has confirmed this news. Toyota is now presenting the Toyota Hornbill Festival for the fourth year.
Where Will The Hornbill Festival In Nagaland Take Place?
The Hornbill Festival will take place at the Kisama Heritage Village. The day sessions at the Kisama Heritage Village are a celebration of the Naga Heritage. Here, the local tribes take part in dances, songs, and traditional games.
Furthermore, the music sessions from 5 PM to 10 PM feature local, national, and international performers.
With the stage set for this grand cultural event of Nagaland, Theja Meru has made a plea. He has said,
“We want everyone — young and old, from Nagaland, Northeast India, and the rest of the country — to come and support our bands. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed.”
How To Reach Hornbill Festival?
The Dimapur Railway Station and the Dimapur Airport are the gateway to the Kisama Heritage Village. The railway station is around 83 km away, and the travel time by local transport is a little over 3 hours.
Also, the Dimapur Airport is about 78 km from the Kisama Heritage Village, with a travel time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Moreover, the Kisama Heritage Village is just 12 km from the Kohima HQ. You can take a taxi service from Kohima HQ to the Hornbill Festival Venue.
For me, traveling to the event venue was all the more fun as I joined a group of riders near the Kohima HQ and biked the remaining route.
What Are The Main Attractions Of The Hornbill Festival?
Now, the Hornbill Festival has been a high-profile event, with Bollywood actor Zayed Khan regularly visiting the event.
However, do you know what I loved the most about the Hornbill Festival? The traditional performances, including dance, archery, wrestling, and music, were staged according to the Naga traditions.
Let’s explore the main attractions of the festival.
1. Tribal Morungs
At the festival ground, you will see different mornungs or huts of the local Naga tribes. These huts are not just exhibition installations.
Each of them is like an interactive center where you can meet people of different tribes and learn about their distinct cultures.
2. Cultural Performances
With the air filled with traditional Naga long drums, the Hornbill Festival showcases the war dances, wrestling, archery shows, and musical performances.
3. Food And Rice Beer
It’s time to get high on music and beer. The locally brewed rice beer here is special as each tribe serves its own variety.
Furthermore, you will love the bamboo shoot delicacies, fermented curries, and the best smoked pork.
4. The Display Of Handicrafts And Art
The Hornbill Festival supports the local artisans. You can collect beautiful wood carvings, shawls, bamboo products, and tribal jewelry as souvenirs.
5. Nightlife And Musical Concert
After the Sun sets, the Hornbill Festival ground booms with the sound of Rock Music. You can also participate in some fun games.
What’s Special In The 26th Edition Of The Hornbill Festival?
The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival is more inclusive. It will involve the best emerging artists from all 17 districts of Nagaland through its Hornbill Busking Segment. FMA’s district partners will choose young girls and boys to perform at the Hornbill Festival.
Also, for the first time, the Nagaland Choir Games will be a part of the Hornbill Festival celebration this year. It will take place at the Capital Cultural Hall of Kohima on 8th and 9th December 2025.
Neiphiu Rio, the chief minister of the state, has envisioned this program, and here choirs from all 17 districts will take part.
In addition, the sensation of the last year, Drum Tao, a Japanese percussionist troupe, will come back this season. Moreover, there will be an “interesting collaboration” with the Southeast Asian band, Mongdol.
The Hornbill Festival Itinerary
Here is a 7-day itinerary of how I spent 7 days enjoying the Hornbill Festival, 2024, and indulging in the ultimate cultural exploration.
| Days | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visiting Kohima and checking into the homestay Reaching Kisama Heritage Village Attending the opening ceremony |
| Day 2 | Enjoying a performance by the Ao, Angami, and Sumi tribes Exploring the Morungs of different tribesVisiting the Naga Heritage Museum and World War II Cemetery in Kohima |
| Day 3 | Trying Naga dishes like smoked pork, bamboo shoot curry, and rice beer Attending archery events at the festival Joining the Kohima Night Bazaar for music, street food, and local art |
| Day 4 | Trekking to Dzukou Valley, known as the Valley of Flowers of the East Attending workshops on tribal art and music |
| Day 5 | Watching the Naga Wrestling Championship Attending indigenous gaming events like bamboo pole climbing and greased log races Attending evening bonfire and storytelling sessions at Kisama Village |
| Day 6 | Visiting Khonoma Village (28.3 Km from Hornbill Festival venue), Asia’s first green village Learning about sustainable living and traditional Naga architecture. Returning to Hornbill Music Festival, featuring top indie and rock bands from across India and associated countries |
| Day 7 | Witnessing the Closing Ceremony, filled with colorful dance and fireworks Shopping for tribal jewelry, bamboo crafts, and local weaves Departing for Dimapur |
How To Get A Permit For Hornbill Festival Nagaland?
Are you from India? You will need an Inner Line Permit to visit this beautiful northeastern state and attend the Hornbill Festival.
- You can apply for the ILP on https://ilp.nagaland.gov.in/.
- Furthermore, you have to first verify your phone number through OTP verification and then provide your personal details along with your identity proof to proceed with the permit.
Furthermore, suppose you are a visitor from a foreign country. In that case, you will need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit Nagaland, according to the latest updates from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
Visit the https://indianfrro.gov.in/efrro/home website for the application of the PAP.
What Is The History Of The Hornbill Festival?
The Horbill Festival was first started by the Government of Nagaland in 2000. As I have mentioned, this festival blends modernity with tradition with a commitment to preserving the heritage of the 17 tribes in the state.
Every year, the festival has a special element to focus on the history, tradition, and culture of the state. For example, in 2024, the Hornbill Festival included the Naga-Land & People in Archival Mirror” in association with the National Archives of India.
Furthermore, in 2025, for the first time, the Nagaland Choir Games are going to be a part of the Hornbill Festival.
What Is The Cultural Significance Of The Hornbill Festival?
- The Hornbill Festival gets its name from hornbill birds, which have a prominent presence in the folklore and traditions of various Naga tribes.
- One of the best and internationally acclaimed Northeast India festivals, the Hornbill festival is also called the “Festival of Festivals.”
- The State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments organize this Hornbill Festival to promote inter-tribal interaction for an inclusive social atmosphere and the preservation of the heritage.
- The Hornbill Festival features the Cultural dance of Nagaland, which is the ultimate fusion of cultural displays. It is not just a Nagaland tribal festival. The Rock festival at Hornbill takes place alongside.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Nagaland Festivals?
Nagaland hosts many festivals throughout the year. Here is a yearly calendar of the festivals of Nagaland.
| Festivals in Nagaland | Tentative Time |
|---|---|
| Hornbill Festival | December |
| Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs | January |
| Mimkut by the Kukis | January |
| Bushu by Kacharis | January |
| Sekrenyi by the Angamis | February |
| Aoling by the Konyaks | April |
| Moatsu by the Aos | May |
| Tuluni by the Sumis | July |
| Nyaknylum by the Changs | July |
| Tokhu Emong by the Lothas | November |
| Yemshe by the Pochurys | October |
How Is The Weather During The Hornbill Festival?
The weather during the Hornbill Festival remains chilly. The temperature remains around 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. The temperature drops significantly after sundown.
So, dressing in layers and carrying a warm jacket are essential. Also, it rained during the festivals in 2024, and I was lucky to have carried the right rain gear.
And despite a forecast of heavy precipitation and flash floods from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), the festival had more than 1 lakh visitors in 2024.
The Morung Express recorded a total footfall of 205,968, 33% more than in 2023.
How To Get Hornbill Festival Tickets?
You will get the ticket for the Hornbill Festival at the entrance gate. The ticket price is around INR 50-100 per day. However, taking part in several special events at the festival can cost you extra.
Sustainability And Local Impact Of The Hornbill Festival: The 2024 Edition Showed The Way
The Hornbill Festival is an economic driver and an endeavor to promote and preserve the culture of Nagaland. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) published a report, “Waste Not, Celebrate More: The 25th Hornbill Festival Paves the Way for Sustainability!”
The report, shared on 11th December 2024, highlighted that the Hornbill Festival was free of Zero-Waste and single-use plastic (SUP). Despite footfall increasing by more than 30% in 2023, the festival remained eco-friendly through its sustainable practices.
Here are more details on how Hornbill Festival prioritizes sustainability and creates local impact by building a circular economy.
1. Hygiene And Sanitation Efforts
During the festival, 42 toilet stalls were set up in the heritage village. Six of them were in public locations, and 36 were in the food area or the Morung.
Furthermore, hygienic conditions were maintained in these washrooms with regular maintenance and cleaning.
2. Creating A Blueprint For Sustainable Events
The 25th Hornbill Festival not only promised but also executed a zero-wastage event. Thus, it emerged as a role model for large-scale sustainable events.
3. Important Environmental Gains
The environmental gains of the event were massive. Especially with the ban on single-use plastics, at least 1 lakh single-use plastics could be prevented. As a result, CO2 emissions decreased by 50 metric tons.
Thus, the event’s carbon footprint decreased, and emissions of Greenhouse gases such as ethylene and methane decreased.
4. Circular Economy
Due to the ban on single-use plastics, the use of locally sourced sustainable materials went up at the Hornbill Festival 2024. Also, the following reusable materials were recycled.
- Metals
- Glass
- Paper
As a result, the principle of a circular economy was set. With the use of recycled materials and resources in the production cycle, energy and resources will be preserved.
5. The Approach To Eliminate SUP
The festival authority adopted the following multi-faceted approach to completely eliminate the use of single-use plastics.
- Vendor Engagement
- Visitor Education
- Regulatory Enforcement
Furthermore, SUPs were replaced by the following elements.
- Paper Bags
- Bagasse Cullery
- Bamboo Straws
- Leaf-Based Plates
6. Waste Management
Strategic placement of bins, waste sorting stations, and authorized recycling centers played a crucial role in the waste management at the Hornbill Festival.
Furthermore, waste was composted on-site, and the compost was distributed among local agricultural fields and gardens.
Accessibility And Inclusivity Of The Hornbill Festival 2025?
The 2025 Hornbill Festival is going to become more accessible. There will be support systems such as a “Disability Help Desk” from the Public Works Department (PwD). Furthermore, the Disability Pride Fair that was held the previous year, along with this event, was a trailblazer in making the event more inclusive.
In addition, ther are talks about setting up tactile symbols and Braille for easy navigation.
Physical Infrastructure Developments To Make The Hornbill Festival More Accessible
- State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) to ensure compliance with the Harmonised Guidelines and Standards for Universal Accessibility in India, 2021, guidelines for the physical changes at the Kisama Heritage Village venue.
- Accessible toilets, ramps, and pathways will be constructed for visitors with challenges.
- There will be Reserved parking spaces near the entrance gate for people with disabilities.
How Much Are The Hornbill Festival Packages?
There are many Hornbill festival packages, and according to my research, the cost will be between INR 15000 and 50000.
However, I booked the IRCTC package, which, of course, is the most trustworthy one. It is a 04 Nights / 05 Days package and the route is: Guwahati, Kohima, Khonoma, and Guwahati. The package is for a group of two or more. Also, breakfast and dinner are included in this package.
For adults, the package charge will be between ₹ 21,000.00 and ₹ 50,090.00.
Where To Stay Near Hornbill Festival?
Staying in Kohima is the best option when you are planning to attend the Hornbill Festival. Furthermore, there will be rustic campsites in Kigwema, Kisama, and Viswema, which are closer to the event venue.
In addition, the homestays in these villages offer a culturally fulfilling experience.
What To Pack For Hornbill Festival?
Along with rain gear and layered clothing, you must carry a government ID and ILP when visiting Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival.
Furthermore, if you want to buy souvenirs and handicrafts from the local shops, you must carry cash. Wet wipes and sanitizers are other essentials to pack for maintaining personal hygiene on the Hornbill Festival ground.
Hornbill Festival 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Hornbill Festival 2025.
Yes, you can buy a multi-day ticket for the Hornbill Festival 2025. You can collect flexible passes, offering entry to specific events on different days.
Yes, the Horbill Festival is safe at night. However, since lakhs of visitors attend this event, you must be careful about your personal belongings.
The Nagaland Police remains in charge of the entire security system of the event.
No, you cannot stay inside the festival area. However, there are many tented campsites near the festival venue where you can stay for an easy commute and the most immersive experience at a reasonable rate.
No, pets are not allowed at the Hornbill Festival. There is no official statement from the festival authority or the Nagaland Government regarding pet-friendly policies or facilities at the event.
Furthermore, the festival has lakhs of visitors. So, the crowded environment can be stressful for your pet.
