A P O C K E T G U I D E HORNBILL FESTIVAL www.offbeattracks.co ABOUT It was in the year 2000 that the State Government, desirous of promoting tourism, embarked upon an ambitious project to exploit the cultural assets of Nagaland through a weeklong long festival to coincide with the celebration of Nagaland Statehood Day on 1st December. Thus happened the inception of the Nagaland Hornbill Festival, so named in collective reverence to the bird enshrined in the cultural ethos of the Nagas to espouse the spirit of unity in diversity. Nagaland is a cultural mosaic of diverse multi-ethnicity sprung up by the several tribes that inhabit the State. Each community celebrates its myriad festivals revolving around the agrarian calendar that makes Nagaland by default, a land of festivals. ABOUT Eighteen years on, the festival, an intangible heritage asset, has been aptly tag lined in the changed moniker - "NAGALAND HORNBILL FESTIVAL: FESTIVAL OF FESTIVALS" to encompass through collective celebration the colour and vibrant elements of all the tribal festivities and give a glimpse of Naga life to titillate cultural sensibilities. What emerged from a local heritage event has now metamorphed to a national and international festival and has become a must visit and notable attraction in the travel itinerary of both domestic and international travellers. LOCATION Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The state is mostly mountainous except those areas bordering Assam valley. Mount Saramati is the highest peak with a height of 3,840 metres and its range forms a natural barrier between Nagaland and Burma. It lies between the parallels of 98-degree and 96- degree East Longitude and 26.6-degree and 27.4-degree latitude north of the equator. The state is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna; it has been suggested as the "falcon capital of the world". NAGA HERITAGE VILLAGE The nomenclature of KISAMA is derived from two villages namely, Kigwema (KI) and Phesama (SA) and MA which means Village, on whose land the Naga Heritage Village is established and commissioned by the State Government of Nagaland. Situated about 10 kilometers from Kohima, the Naga Heritage Village offers a panorama of nature, cheerful and hospitality of people. The objective of the Heritage Village is to protect and preserve all ethnic cultural heritages by establishing a common management approach and comprehensive data base for perpetuation and maintenance for promotion of tourism. It also aims to uphold and sustain the distinct identity of dialects, customs and traditions of all the ethnic tribes of Nagaland. NAGA HERITAGE VILLAGE During the festivities of Hornbill Festival, the Heritage Village serves as a healthy sign, vision and encouragement for uniting the various tribes of Nagaland to showcase their rich cultural heritage and tradition under the aegis of “Hornbill Festival” in one platform where one could have a glimpse and experience into the Heritage Village, Kisama. It also serves as a stage where different occasions and functions for various societies, unions are organized and taken place all round the year. The Heritage Complex also house World War II Museum, Bamboo Heritage Hall, Bamboo Pavilion, Kids Carnival, Horti-Scape, Food Courts and Stadium for Live concerts, Naga Idol, Beauty Pageant, Fashion Shows, etc. HOW TO REACH By Air: The state has its airport in Dimapur, which is regularly serviced by major airlines. The city is linked to Kolkata by air. Indian Airlines operates regular flights to Dimapur. Tourists then have to travel to Kohima by road after reaching Dimapur. It takes 2 and a half hours to reach Dimapur by road. By Rail: The major railhead in the state is Dimapur, which is linked to Guwahati. Guwahati is in turn connected to the rest of the country by important trains. Visit www.indianrail.gov.in and www.irctc.co.in to book rail tickets online. By Road: A good road network covers the state. The state capital Kohima is linked to Shillong and Guwahati, which are important cities in North Eastern India. First proceed to Dimapur and then travel to Kohima. PERMITS Domestic tourists should obtain the Inner Line permit issued by authorities. Foreign tourists no longer require a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) / Protected Area Permit (PAP) to enter Nagaland. Previously, tourists were required to travel in a minimum group of four people. The new rules only require foreigners to register themselves at the local Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) of the district they visit within 24 hours of their arrival. This is a temporary change in effect for one year. HORNBILL FESTIVAL 2018 Opening Ceremony Tour Closing Ceremony Tour 30th November to 5th December 7th to 12th December OFFBEAT TRACKS ITINERARY Day Itinerary Night stay Day 1 Arrive at Dimapur, Drive to Kigwema Kigwema Day 2 Attend the Hornbill Festival Kigwema Day 3 Kohima and Khonoma Visit Kigwema Day 4 Attend the Hornbill Festival Kigwema Day 5 Kigwema village tour Kigwema Day 6 Drive to Dimapur and departure FESTIVAL & ACTIVITIES Festival highlights include the Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley - songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert. The festival both exposes the culture and tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagaland’s identity as a unique state in India’s federal union. Traditional arts are also featured, with paintings, wood carvings and sculptures by modern Naga artists on display. Naga troupes sing folk songs, perform traditional dances and play indigenous games and sports. In the evenings a programme of music concerts, catering for all tastes, ensure that the festive spirit continues through the night. HORNBILL FESTIVAL FOOD An ideal meal of the people of the State of Nagaland consists of a meat dish, a boiled vegetable dish or two, rice and a spicy chutney. Nagas tend to prefer boiled edible organic leaves. Some common dishes are ‘Fermented bamboo shoot’ with fish and pork. ‘Axone’ with smoked pork and beef. Smoked meat is a common i ngredient of a Naga meal which is prepared by keeping the meat above the fire or hanging on the wall of the kitchen for anywhere between 1 day to 2 weeks or longer, which could last for the whole year ahead. The food of Nagaland tends to be spicy. There are different varieties of chillies in Nagaland. The ginger used in the Naga cuisine is spicy, aromatic and is different from the common ginger. The garlic and ginger leaves are also used in cooking with meat. WWW.OFFBEATTRACKS.CO.