Winters are set to become an enthralling experience as Hornbill festival kickstarts in Nagaland. So, if your calendar allows some travel this season, don't waste any more time and take a trip to the 10-day long Hornbill Festival. This cultural gala, inaugurated by Prime Minster Narendra Modi, is the largest of its kind to be held in the far eastern corner of India, Nagaland.
Commencing today, the festival will last till 10th December, offering Nagaland's pleasant weather conditions and slight flavor of the chill to the tourists, besides cultural activities befitting the winter season.
Though, be sure to throw in some warm clothes while packing for the trip so that you can get most out of the chilly evenings.
Here is a list of ten things to do at the cultural extravaganza of the East:-
Chili Eating Competition
The chili eating competition is in literal terms a “fiery” event in the entire span of the ten day Hornbill festival. The Naga King Chili, which is also known as the Bhut Jolokia, has often been ranked the world’s hottest chili. So while you are there why not give it a shot. Participants get twenty seconds to eat as many chilies as they can and must chew the chili at least three times. Bottles of water and bowls of dairy whitener are available to soothe the burn caused by the super-hot chili.
Tribal Food
At the Hornbill festival you will be able to get a taste of the delicious local cuisines and delicacies served in their respective Morungs. For non vegetarians, it's simply a heaven on earth. Apart from the usual momo, rice and noodle preparations, you can savour some mouthwatering dishes made of fish, chicken, beef, and pork made from local spices in the traditional Naga style.
Freshly Brewed Beer
One thing you should definitely not miss is trying out the freshly brewed rice beer prepared by the Nagas. These rice beers are served in Bamboo glasses and will perfectly complement your plate of roasted pork or fish. And since it is the festive season, a little bit of alcohol will only make the whole experience better.
Folk Dance and Music
Get a close insight of the Naga culture by witnessing all types of folk music and dance performed by various groups from each of the 16 tribes. The colorful spectacle of songs, dances and narratives helps in creating a memorable event. While giving endless fun to the tourists, the festival also keeps the tribal culture of the north east alive.
Kohima War Museum
On the sidelines of Hornbill Festival, do not miss visiting the Kohima War Museum along with the war cemetary. This will help you learn about the events of World War II. You can see the replica of the tanks that were used by the allied forces during the Kohima War Museum. Also, make sure you see the documentary screened on World War II which showcases as to how the Japanese troops were stopped here at the final frontier.
Hornbill Rock Contest
If you love music, then the longest music event in the country, the Hornbill Rock Contest, is made for you. This season, the bands you should look out for are Vishnu and Doppler Effect from Delhi, Tape Town Madness and 3 Ton capacity from Bangalore, The Family Cheese from Mumbai along with Nagaland bands namely Paper Sky, Technicolors and Stereotypes.
Hornbill Motor Rally
Crossing 12 locations in Nagaland, Hornbill Motor Rally is the official event of the Hornbill Festival. Sponsored by the department of Youth Resources & Sports Government of Nagaland, it is one of the events eagerly awaited by motorists and bikers. The increasing number of entries every year proof the level of enthusiasm people have for this event. So if you consider yourself a biker, why not register yourself?
Bamboo Pavilion
In Nagaland, life begins in a cot of bamboo and ends in a coffin of bamboo. Naga's impeccable craftsmanship at building Bamboo handicrafts and Bamboo furniture is famously known across the country. Bamboo pavilion is thus one of the major highlights of the festival. From here, you can purchase handicrafts made by different tribes. Whether you are looking for jewellery or clothes, this place has it all. Also, do not miss getting a bottle of natural honey for your way back home.
Naga Culture
The best time to get an overview of the Naga culture is during the Hornbill festival. Every naga house, one from each tribal group is decorated in a different style. This way the village showcases several examples of the different tribes.
Kohima Night Bazaar
This bazaar which is usually not too crowded at night has crowds bustling in during the Hornbill Festival. The place is not exactly a shopping bazaar but it is a place where people eat and hang out. To witness the electric atmosphere during the Hornbill Festival you must visit the night bazaar.
Hornbill Festival is the time when tourists from all over the world come to see the beautiful hilly region in the northeast inhabited by Nagas who are culturally rich and love to have fun. So, eat, drink and be merry before the festival comes to an end.
