By Jenica Amalita

Considered the ‘Festival of Festivals’, in 2000 the Nagaland government initiated the Hornbill Festival which spans from December 1st to 10th every year.

Nagaland is home to 17 recognised Naga tribes, each with diverse traditions. The Hornbill Festival seeks to create regional interest and promote tourism while enabling a discourse on both cultural and environmental conservation.

In Naga culture, the hornbill occupies a central position amongst the various tribes as a symbol of strength, bravery, and courage. It is found in the folklore of most of the state’s tribes, and hornbill feathers are used in headdresses as a symbol of honour and reverence. Hence the decision to name this annual festival after the Hornbill. The week-long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies.

The popular folktale of Kivigho and Khauli recounts the story of two lovers who are forcefully separated from each other. Khauli is given in marriage to another man leading to Kivigho’s attempt to run away with her. While in the forest, an unfortunate incident leads to his turning into a hornbill. After the heartbroken Khauli returns to her husband’s village, the hornbill is sighted for the first time as he drops a feather on Khauli’s lap.

This feather becomes a symbol of Kivigho’s undying love and has been incorporated in the traditional headgear of the Sumi Nagas ever since in honour of him.

Another folktale from the region, The Boy Who Became A Hornbill, tells of a young orphan who was treated badly by his relatives but kindly by his friends. Finally, he decides to become a hornbill and through this action, is able to both reward kindness and exact revenge.

One of the girls who was kind to the boy was gifted a feather which led to her prosperity and wellbeing. This has led to the belief that the hornbill is the herald of good fortune, adding to its cultural importance.

Held at the Kisama Heritage Village, the Hornbill Festival is celebrated with pomp and gusto as each tribe showcases their heritage, culture, and cuisine.

Traditional huts called morungs are set up which act as living museums. Dances, and indigenous games are performed and traditional dishes are served. Handwoven shawls, jewellery, and wood carvings are also sold as souvenirs.

These morungs, which are traditionally used as spaces for education and socialization for youth, have been repurposed to become sites of awareness for all who are eager to learn about Naga culture.

The Hornbill Festival further seeks to raise awareness for the need to protect and conserve the native wildlife.

The Great Hornbill, prized for its feathers, has been hunted to the point of its endangerment. The Festival has thus become a means of highlighting the cultural significance of the hornbill to ensure its protection.

This year, the Hornbill Festival will be celebrating 25 years of successful cultural and environmental preservation and promotion through the inclusion of local voices in reclaiming cultural heritage.