Pandemic may arrest the fervour of Nagaland’s Hornbill festival

The ten day festival of festivals, celebrated from 1 to 10 december is likely to receive the throes of pandemic this year. The annual event is the celebration of culture and heritage of different tribes of the Nagaland and usually draws the participation of lakhs of people across the country.

A chief proportion of Nagaland population depends on agriculture and hence most of their festivals revolve around agriculture, Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, it is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the tribes among the tribals in northeast India. Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. Many tribes link the festivals to the act of purgation which makes the attendence necessary so all the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The objective of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and showcase its luxriant and colorful traditions. Visitors attend the event to come in the proximity of the people and culture of Nagaland, and find an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland.

As the tourism industry is facing a worst ever crisis due to the pandemic, the state government may not be in a position to host the Hornbill Festival. The tourism industry in Nagaland is greatly dependent on these grand events as they are the significant source of revenue to the state. 

Cover Pic by Vikramjit Kakati