Hornbill Festival 2025 – Dates, Location, Events & Tour Packages with Destinatia Tours & Travels
The Festival of Festivals in Nagaland
Every December, the hills of Nagaland come alive with colors, music, and traditions during the Hornbill Festival — lovingly called the “Festival of Festivals.” It’s a magnificent celebration of Naga culture that attracts travelers from across India and the world.
If you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing vibrant tribal dances, savoring authentic Naga cuisine, and soaking in the rhythmic energy of Northeast India — Hornbill Festival 2025 is your moment.
And the best part? You can explore it all seamlessly with Destinatia Tours & Travels, your trusted travel partner for unforgettable journeys across the Northeast.
What Is the Hornbill Festival and Why Is It Celebrated?
The Hornbill Festival is one of India’s grandest cultural festivals, held every year in the state of Nagaland, in the far northeastern part of the country. It’s famously known as the “Festival of Festivals” because it brings together all 17 major Naga tribes under one celebration of unity, culture, and heritage.
Named after the Indian Hornbill bird, a revered symbol of strength and pride in Naga folklore, this festival showcases the state’s diverse tribal traditions, art, music, food, and way of life — all in one vibrant event.
The festival was first celebrated in 2000, organized by the Government of Nagaland to promote inter-tribal harmony and preserve the rich cultural legacy of the Nagas. Today, it’s a global attraction — drawing thousands of visitors, photographers, and culture enthusiasts from around the world.
Hornbill Festival 2025 Dates & Venue
Dates: December 1 to December 10, 2025
Venue: Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, Nagaland
Theme: Celebration of Culture, Heritage & Unity
The 10-day cultural extravaganza showcases the diverse traditions of Nagaland’s 17 major tribes, making it one of India’s most unique and photogenic festivals.
Where Is the Hornbill Festival Held?
The Hornbill Festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, located about 12 km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
Kisama is a beautifully designed cultural complex that represents miniature replicas of all Naga tribal villages — complete with traditional huts, kitchens, and artifacts. It’s set amidst lush green hills and misty mountain views, creating a magical backdrop for performances and exhibits.
Distance from key cities:
Dimapur to Kisama – 74 km (3 hrs by car)
Kohima town to Kisama – 12 km (30 min)
Guwahati to Kisama – 355 km (approx. 9 hrs drive)
When Is the Hornbill Festival 2025?
The Hornbill Festival 2025 will be celebrated from December 1 to December 10, 2025, at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima.
During these 10 days, visitors can enjoy a mix of:
Traditional tribal performances
Naga wrestling competitions
Fashion shows
Local craft exhibitions
Hornbill International Rock Festival
Food and night bazaars
Cultural processions and parades
Each day features unique performances and special highlights, so staying at least 2–3 days is recommended to truly experience it all.
What to Expect at Hornbill Festival 2025
The festival is a perfect blend of tribal art, music, food, sports, and fashion. Here’s what you can look forward to:
🥁 Traditional Naga Dances & Songs – Performed daily by tribes in colorful attire
🍲 Authentic Naga Food Stalls – Pork dishes, smoked meats, bamboo shoots, and millet beer
🎸 Hornbill International Rock Contest – One of India’s biggest open-air rock shows
🧵 Handicraft & Weaving Exhibitions – Explore traditional Naga shawls, jewelry & bamboo art
🏍️ Hornbill Motor Rally – A thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts
🕺 Cultural Night Carnival in Kohima – Food, music, lights, and endless celebration
Every day at Kisama Heritage Village brings something new — from wrestling competitions to fashion shows that highlight Nagaland’s modern yet traditional essence.
Explore with Destinatia Tours & Travels: Hornbill Festival 2025 Tour Packages
Experience the Hornbill Festival 2025 like never before with customized tour packages from Destinatia Tours & Travels.
We specialize in Assam and Northeast India tours, ensuring a hassle-free experience with handpicked stays, guided excursions, and cultural immersion.
✨ Our Packages Include:
✅ Accommodation in top-rated hotels/resorts near Kisama Heritage Village
✅ Breakfast & Dinner (Naga traditional meals available on request)
✅ All Transfers & Sightseeing by Private Vehicle
✅ Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Nagaland
✅ Experienced local tour coordinator
✅ Optional Add-ons: Dimapur–Kohima–Kisama sightseeing, Dzukou Valley trek, and heritage walk in Kohima
Why You Should Experience the Hornbill Festival at Least Once
Cultural immersion: It’s the best way to experience the rich tribal heritage of Nagaland in one place.
Photographic paradise: The colorful costumes, dances, and landscapes make it a photographer’s dream.
Local delicacies: Authentic Naga food and drinks are a major attraction for food lovers.
Music and nightlife: From traditional beats to international rock concerts — it’s a cultural fusion unlike anywhere else in India.
Community experience: You’ll interact with friendly locals and learn about Naga traditions firsthand.
What Is the Hornbill Festival and Why Is It Celebrated?
The Hornbill Festival is one of India’s grandest cultural festivals, held every year in the state of Nagaland, in the far northeastern part of the country. It’s famously known as the “Festival of Festivals” because it brings together all 17 major Naga tribes under one celebration of unity, culture, and heritage.
Named after the Indian Hornbill bird, a revered symbol of strength and pride in Naga folklore, this festival showcases the state’s diverse tribal traditions, art, music, food, and way of life — all in one vibrant event.
The festival was first celebrated in 2000, organized by the Government of Nagaland to promote inter-tribal harmony and preserve the rich cultural legacy of the Nagas. Today, it’s a global attraction — drawing thousands of visitors, photographers, and culture enthusiasts from around the world.
Hornbill Festival 2025 Dates & Venue
Dates: December 1 to December 10, 2025
Venue: Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima, Nagaland
Theme: Celebration of Culture, Heritage & Unity
The 10-day cultural extravaganza showcases the diverse traditions of Nagaland’s 17 major tribes, making it one of India’s most unique and photogenic festivals.
Where Is the Hornbill Festival Held?
The Hornbill Festival takes place at Kisama Heritage Village, located about 12 km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
Kisama is a beautifully designed cultural complex that represents miniature replicas of all Naga tribal villages — complete with traditional huts, kitchens, and artifacts. It’s set amidst lush green hills and misty mountain views, creating a magical backdrop for performances and exhibits.
Distance from key cities:
Dimapur to Kisama – 74 km (3 hrs by car)
Kohima town to Kisama – 12 km (30 min)
Guwahati to Kisama – 355 km (approx. 9 hrs drive)
When Is the Hornbill Festival 2025?
The Hornbill Festival 2025 will be celebrated from December 1 to December 10, 2025, at Kisama Heritage Village, Kohima.
During these 10 days, visitors can enjoy a mix of:
Traditional tribal performances
Naga wrestling competitions
Fashion shows
Local craft exhibitions
Hornbill International Rock Festival
Food and night bazaars
Cultural processions and parades
Each day features unique performances and special highlights, so staying at least 2–3 days is recommended to truly experience it all.
What to Expect at Hornbill Festival 2025
The festival is a perfect blend of tribal art, music, food, sports, and fashion. Here’s what you can look forward to:
🥁 Traditional Naga Dances & Songs – Performed daily by tribes in colorful attire
🍲 Authentic Naga Food Stalls – Pork dishes, smoked meats, bamboo shoots, and millet beer
🎸 Hornbill International Rock Contest – One of India’s biggest open-air rock shows
🧵 Handicraft & Weaving Exhibitions – Explore traditional Naga shawls, jewelry & bamboo art
🏍️ Hornbill Motor Rally – A thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts
🕺 Cultural Night Carnival in Kohima – Food, music, lights, and endless celebration
Every day at Kisama Heritage Village brings something new — from wrestling competitions to fashion shows that highlight Nagaland’s modern yet traditional essence.
Explore with Destinatia Tours & Travels: Hornbill Festival 2025 Tour Packages
Experience the Hornbill Festival 2025 like never before with customized tour packages from Destinatia Tours & Travels.
We specialize in Assam and Northeast India tours, ensuring a hassle-free experience with handpicked stays, guided excursions, and cultural immersion.
✨ Our Packages Include:
✅ Accommodation in top-rated hotels/resorts near Kisama Heritage Village
✅ Breakfast & Dinner (Naga traditional meals available on request)
✅ All Transfers & Sightseeing by Private Vehicle
✅ Inner Line Permits (ILP) for Nagaland
✅ Experienced local tour coordinator
✅ Optional Add-ons: Dimapur–Kohima–Kisama sightseeing, Dzukou Valley trek, and heritage walk in Kohima
Why You Should Experience the Hornbill Festival at Least Once
Cultural immersion: It’s the best way to experience the rich tribal heritage of Nagaland in one place.
Photographic paradise: The colorful costumes, dances, and landscapes make it a photographer’s dream.
Local delicacies: Authentic Naga food and drinks are a major attraction for food lovers.
Music and nightlife: From traditional beats to international rock concerts — it’s a cultural fusion unlike anywhere else in India.
Community experience: You’ll interact with friendly locals and learn about Naga traditions firsthand.
