Hornbill Festival 2026

The Hornbill Festival 2026 runs from 1 to 10 December 2026 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Organised by the State Government, the ten-day festival showcases the music, dance, food, crafts and traditions of Nagaland's tribes. It suits culture-focused travellers, photographers and small groups looking for something different in India.

About the Hornbill Festival

Nagaland Tourism says the Hornbill Festival was conceptualised in 2000 as an annual tourism promotional event to showcase Nagaland's cultural heritage. It is often called the festival of festivals, because it brings together the state's tribes in one place, each with its own traditional house, or morung, at the heritage village. The festival is named after the hornbill, a bird that holds an important place in Naga folklore and dress.

Visitors can expect traditional dances and songs, indigenous games, craft and food stalls, and evening music events. The festival also coincides with Nagaland's Statehood Day on 1 December. Please treat ceremonies, dress and sacred objects with respect, and ask before photographing people up close.

The Hornbill Festival 2026 dates and venue

Hornbill Festival 2026 dates are Tuesday 1 December to Thursday 10 December 2026, according to Nagaland Tourism. The main programme takes place each day at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, with some evening events in and around Kohima.

Daily programmes, entry arrangements and any ticketed events are announced by the state government closer to the festival. Check the Nagaland Tourism website for the latest schedule before finalising itineraries.

How to get to Kohima for the Hornbill Festival

The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport (DMU), which has domestic flights from cities such as Kolkata, Guwahati and Delhi. From Dimapur, Kohima is reached by road through the hills, and the journey can be slow. Many visitors also fly into Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, and continue by road or rail via Dimapur.

Shared taxis and private vehicles connect Kohima with Kisama during the festival. Nagaland has special permit rules for visitors, which differ for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. Check the official entry requirements for India and the current permit rules for Nagaland well before travel.

Where to stay

Kohima is the main base, with hotels, guesthouses and homestays. Rooms are limited and the festival brings a large number of visitors, so book months ahead if possible. Homestays in villages near Kisama, such as Kigwema, offer a closer view of local life and are popular with festival visitors. Some travellers stay in Dimapur and travel up for selected days, though that means long daily drives.

December nights in the Naga hills are cold, so pack warm layers for evening events.

Planning a group trip to the Hornbill Festival

A group tour to the Hornbill Festival works best with a local ground handler who can arrange permits, vehicles and accommodation. Agencies in the Gulf, North Africa and the diaspora can combine the festival with other parts of North East India, such as Kaziranga National Park in Assam or Shillong in Meghalaya.

• Secure accommodation in Kohima or nearby homestays early.
• Allow plenty of time for road transfers between Dimapur, Kohima and Kisama.
• Plan three or four festival days rather than the full ten for most leisure groups.
• Brief travellers on respectful behaviour at cultural performances.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Hornbill Festival 2026?

The Hornbill Festival 2026 takes place from 1 to 10 December 2026 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima, Nagaland. The dates are published by Nagaland Tourism, which also announces the daily programme closer to the festival.

How do I get to Kohima for the Hornbill Festival?

Most visitors fly to Dimapur Airport (DMU) and travel by road to Kohima, or fly into Guwahati (GAU) and continue overland. Roads are hilly and journeys can be slow, so plan transfers with time to spare and book vehicles in advance.

Do I need a permit to visit Nagaland?

Nagaland has permit rules for visitors that differ for Indian citizens and foreign nationals. Rules can change, so check the official entry requirements for India and the latest guidance from the Nagaland government before you travel, and leave enough time to apply.

Do I need tickets for the Hornbill Festival?

Entry arrangements for the festival grounds and any ticketed evening events are set by the state government each year. Check the Nagaland Tourism website for the current details before travelling to Kisama.

Where should I stay for the Hornbill Festival?

Kohima has the widest choice of hotels and guesthouses, and village homestays near Kisama are popular. Accommodation is limited during the festival, so book as early as you can, particularly for group tours.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Hornbill Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.