Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival is one of the most popular cultural destinations in the country.After it was cancelled last year, people are eagerly waiting to book tickets to Kohima.In 2020, the festival went virtual but this year, people can visit it IRL in December.If you have been looking forward to this famous Naga Festival, you’ll be excited to know all the relevant details!
Image Credit: Shutterstock When is it happening?The festival will be held in Nagaland’s ‘Kisama Heritage Village’ from 1st-10th December.It is hailed as one of the most entertaining carnivals of the country, and is often called the ‘Festival of Festivals’.It will also include the ‘Hornbill Music Festival’, ‘Nagaland Literature Festival’, and the ‘Nagaland Film Festival’.
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Nagaland has a lot of indigenous tribes, and this cultural festival brings together the uniqueness of all the different people of the stateThis year, the festival will go on for 10 days, and will feature music, dance, food, martial arts, and folk art, with more than 17 different tribes of Nagaland participating COVID regulations for the festival?If you are heading to the Hornbill Festival, make sure you carry the proof of full vaccination to be exempted from testingIf you are not vaccinated, you will have to take an RT-PCR test at the point of entry If you’re not fully vaccinated, make sure you’re carrying a negative test report
It can be RT-PCR, TrueNat, or CBNAATThese have to be taken less than 72 hours before travelIf accompanied by a parent or guardian, children under 12 years of age will not be submitted to any testing.
Image Credit: Shutterstock Apart from the COVID regulations, Indians also need an Inner Line Permit to enter Nagaland.Foreigners will need to register with the Foreigner’s Registration Office of the district they intend to travel to.What else to visit? If you’re planning to head to Nagaland for a longer time, then there are some other gorgeous places you should add to your itinerary.
You can enjoy the Hornbill festival and then head to these other places to make full use of your winter vacation 1.
Dimapur
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Deemed the official entry point into the state, this city has immense natural beauty and history galoreYou can visit the 13th-century Kachari Ruins or explore the Diezephe Craft Village.The beautiful scenery and roads are going to make you fall in love with the city.
2Mokokchung
Image Credit: Shutterstock This destination is on its way to become a tourist hotspot.It is a paradise for nature lovers, and if you’re looking for a place that you’ll never forget, set your GPS for Longkhum.Find hills full of rhododendron bushes, interesting museums to visit, and explore interesting cultures.
3Mon
Image Credit: Shutterstock The land of Konyak Nagas, Mon is an interesting place to exploreFamed for warriors with face tattoos and head hunting prowess, this area has some wonderful scenic views as well.You can also visit Longwa, the biggest village in Mon district, which shares the border with Myanmar.
Also look out for animal skull art and wooden carvings 4Tuophema Village
Image Credit: Shutterstock Tuophema is a tourist village located a short drive away from KohimaThe village is built around the ethnic model of tourismExplore the culture by visiting the traditional thatched huts, look at the age-old artefacts and jewellery, visit the clothing and souvenir museum, and try authentic Naga delicacies!Are you ready to explore the unique culture and natural beauty of Nagaland this year? Which places are you planning to visit? Tell us about your plans in the comments below! Social and lead image credit: shutterstock and RSVP Movies
