Preparations are underway at full pace for the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival 2026 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima. Nagaland Tourism Director Veyielo Doulo informed The Morung Express that work at the main venue is progressing rapidly to ensure everything is ready well ahead of time.
The Hornbill Festival, celebrated every year from December 1 to 10, is one of Nagaland’s most prominent tourism events. First launched in 2000, the 10-day festival highlights the diverse cultural heritage of the Naga tribes and draws thousands of visitors from across India and abroad.
Hosted by the Nagaland government, the festival showcases traditional tribal performances, handloom and handicraft displays, indigenous games, local cuisines, and vibrant cultural showcases. The event also plays a key role in boosting Nagaland’s tourism sector and promoting cultural preservation.
The festival is named after the hornbill, a bird that holds deep symbolic and cultural importance among various Naga tribes.
The 25th edition held in 2024 recorded 2,05,968 visitors at the Kisama venue, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity. With preparations now in full swing, authorities expect the 2026 edition to attract even larger crowds and offer an enhanced experience to visitors.
