There’s no doubt that December is the official month of festivals all across the country. And while all of them have their own significance, there’s one festival which truly stands out from the rest. Yes, we are talking about the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland!
It’s a 10-day long annual festival that includes folk dances, songs performed by the traditional warrior tribes of the state, pop artists’ performances and more. The festival also displays the local heritage, culture, handicrafts and food, and the entire aim is to promote the Naga heritage and culture.
So, we caught up amazing photographers- Vaishali Seta, Arpan Uzir, Benjamin Khamrang and Manash Jyoti Chetia who shared stunning shots from the festival which they have collected over the years.
#1
‘Zeliang tribe’ performing their traditional dance during the opening ceremony in 2018.
#2
People of the ‘Yimchungri Tribe’ getting ready for the performance! They carry out their practice sessions near the Morungs (traditional Naga huts)
#3
This couple looks resplendent, dressed in brightly coloured traditional attire!
#4
One of the tribe’s performers, all decked up in their traditional attire, waiting for their performance.
#5
The Hornbill Festival is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland held annually.
#6
‘Yimchungru Tribe’ getting ready!
#7
The festival is also popularly known as the ‘festival of festivals’!
#8
Faces of the ‘Angami Naga tribe’!
#9
#10 The main aim of the festival is to preserve and promote the Naga tribes and their culture.
Each of the tribes and sub-tribes in the state at the festival has their ways of promoting their culture.
#11
This Assam traditional dance called- Bihu Dance.
#12
Yet another beautiful click!
#13
‘Angami Naga tribe’, all set to perform!
#14
You can see a ‘Morung’ in the background, which are traditional Naga huts.
#15
Variant colours and emotions are quite evident!
#16
A tribal game played by the men of different tribes!
#17
This is a tribal game which only women play in their own traditional style.
#18
Last but not least, this is the Hornbill tree! Can you spot numerous hornbill birds on it?
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/manashchetia46_)
