• The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with gusto and fervor. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve around agriculture.

    • Important festivals celebrated are

        ◦ Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January

        ◦ Mimkut by the Kukis in January

        ◦ Bushu by the Kacharis in January

        ◦ Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February

        ◦ Tuluni by the Sumis in July etc

    • To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the State Govt organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December.

    • Hornbill Festival is also called the 'Festival of Festivals'.

    • Organised by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, Hornbill festival showcases a melange of cultural displays under one roof.

    • This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year in Kohima. The Music festival and rock contest is now held in nearby Dimapur.

    • Usually held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 Km from Kohima, the aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.

    • The festival is named after the hornbill, the globally respected bird and which is displayed in folklore in most of the state's tribes.

    • Week-long festivities include - Paintings, wood carvings, sculptures, traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition, Sale of Arts & Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley etc.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)