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| Hornbill Festival 1 |
I'm going. It's in December. Are you coming? If not then you are missing a life time opportunity to witness a greatest mystic spectacle in the world!Apart from being an exotic and mystic land, Nagaland is called the ‘Land of Festivals’ and for the past couple of years, there has been a new spectacle ‘Festival of Festivals’ hugely popular annual Hornbill Festival (1st – 7th December) held at the Kisama Heritage Village at Kohima. A riot of colours, costumes and performances!It is for 7 days and shows tradition and culture of all the Naga tribes. The tradition and culture coupled with a sense of the exoticism and mystery draws in the crowds by thousands. Although the overwhelming dances and rituals are based on agriculture and fertility, there are some amazing war dances and head hunting rituals by tribes. The Hornbill Festival is much more than dances and more dances. There are stalls of ethnic Naga cuisine which drew crowds like mad and... |
| Couple enjoying rice beer |
Wow! A supply of indigenous rice beer which runs out faster than they could be refilled! |
| Hornbill |
The festival, in a way, is also a tribute to the horn bill a bird most admired by the Naga people for its qualities of alertness and grandeur. This majestic bird is linked closely with the social and cultural life of the people, as is evident in tribal folklore dances and songs. The awe and admiration for the bird is symbolically displayed on almost all traditional tribal headgears worn during festivities.An International chilli and pork eating competitionAnother feather to the cap is an awesome International chilli and pork eating competition. This is to promote "Naga Chilli", one of the hottest chillies in the world!The competitors which includes foreigners as well, have to eat raw red chillies. Oh my God! I can imagine a fire ball in mouth and tears rolling down! I must participate. Come what may!!The finale is grand with a concert of fusion music and each tribe lighting a bonfire. I can visualize the sun dipping over the hills at Kisama, the bonfire lightening up the arena and the skies are getting filled with war cries as everyone dancing around the fire.So, whether you are an Indian or a foreigner, start planning your most memorable trip of life to Hornbill festival, Nagaland. Contact tour operators in Delhi or Nagaland or in your own country if you are a foreigner (Entry Permit required)So, whether you are an Indian or a foreigner, start planning your most memorable trip of life to Hornbill festival, Nagaland NOW!.- Contact tour operators in Delhi or Nagaland or in your own country if you are a foreigner (Entry Permit required)
For details, read my earlier post:
http://aceguide.blogspot.in/2013/04/a-travel-to-mystic-nagaland.html Video on Beautiful Nagaland
Foreigners taking part in Chilli Eating Competition