25 Nov,2023
Credit: Google Images
Despite the fact that Kohima is Nagaland’s capital, the main venue of the Hornbill Festival is the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, some 12 kilometres south of Kohima.
Credit: Google Images
The state bird of Nagaland is the Blyth’s tragopan, an endangered species of pheasant. The hornbill is especially venerated by the Nagas, as evidenced by tribal traditions, dances, and songs.
The gates represent the 16 major tribes that make up the majority of Nagaland’s population. Each gate is one-of-a-kind, with motifs inspired by local tribes.
Credit: Google Images
The inaugural day of the biennial Hornbill Festival also coincides with Nagaland’s statehood day celebration. Dr. S. Rar declared Nagaland the 16th state of the Indian Union on this day in 1963.
Credit: Google Images
One of the festival’s most popular competitions includes eating chillies. Brave participants, including Assam Rifles troops and officers, queue up to eat as many as they can, actually sobbing as they strive to outdo one other.
Credit: Google Images
This comes as a surprise to many, but Nagaland is a dry state. The folks in Nagaland take consumption of alcohol very seriously and the Assam Rifles often confiscates liters and liters of the contraband with shocking regularity.
You know, just in case you thought you could sneak in half a dozen sachets in your cargo pockets.
A number of international bands like Sweden’s Arrival-ABBA and German power metal band Helloween have performed at the event.
When he attended it, Narendra Modi got so much in the mood of things he went the whole hog and delivered an entire speech wearing that headdress.