The Hornbill Festival 2026 will be held from 1 December to 10 December 2026 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. It is the 27th edition of the festival and is organised by the Government of Nagaland every year. The festival is open to all visitors and brings together the tribes of Nagaland for ten days of dance, music, food, crafts and traditional games.
Note: The Government of Nagaland has confirmed the dates and venue, but the detailed day-by-day programme for 2026 has not been officially released at the time of writing. The schedule given below is a probable plan based on how the festival has run in earlier years. Please check official Nagaland Tourism announcements before you book anything.
Hornbill Festival 2026 at a Glance
| Festival name | Hornbill Festival (also called the “Festival of Festivals”) |
|---|---|
| Edition | 27th |
| Dates | 1 December to 10 December 2026 |
| Venue | Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima, Nagaland |
| Distance from Kohima | About 12 km |
| Organiser | Government of Nagaland |
| Main attractions | Tribal dances, morung displays, indigenous games, food stalls, craft bazaar, music festival, night carnival |
| Best for | Culture lovers, photographers, food lovers, music fans and families |
What Is the Hornbill Festival?
The Hornbill Festival is the biggest cultural event of Nagaland. It is named after the hornbill, a large and colourful forest bird that appears in many Naga folk stories, songs and traditional dress. The bird is seen as a symbol of respect, courage and beauty.
The festival started in the year 2000 with a simple idea: bring the different tribes of Nagaland to one place so that they can share their customs with each other and with the world. Over the years it has grown from a local celebration into an event that draws travellers from across India and from other countries.
The opening day, 1 December, also falls on Nagaland’s Statehood Day, which adds extra meaning to the start of the celebrations.
Where Is the Festival Held?
The main venue is the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama. This is a purpose-built cultural site on the hills south of Kohima. Each tribe has its own morung, which is a traditional community house built in the style of that tribe. During the festival you can walk into these morungs, meet the people, see their handicrafts and taste their food.
Apart from the main arena, Kohima town hosts several evening programmes. These usually include the music festival, the night carnival and other special events.
Probable Day-wise Programme for Hornbill Festival 2026
This table is a planning guide only. Events can shift after the official announcement.
| Date | Probable highlights |
|---|---|
| 1 December | Opening ceremony at Kisama, with ceremonial dances from the participating tribes. |
| 2 December | Morung visits, traditional songs, log drum demonstrations, weaving and bamboo craft displays. |
| 3 December | Indigenous Naga games such as wrestling, top spinning and climbing contests. |
| 4 December | Hornbill Music Festival begins in Kohima in the evening. |
| 5 December | Naga Chef cook-off, food demonstrations and film screenings. |
| 6 December | Children-focused activities and cultural exchange performances by visiting troupes. |
| 7 December | Literature sessions and talks with local writers and historians in Kohima. |
| 8 December | Miss Nagaland finale and a traditional fashion showcase in the evening. |
| 9 December | Night carnival in Kohima town with street stalls, live music and food trucks. |
| 10 December | Closing ceremony and the final music concert. |
Daily Timings You Can Expect
In earlier years the Kisama arena opened around 9 AM, with the main cultural performances running through the day until late afternoon. Evening programmes in Kohima usually start after sunset. Please confirm the 2026 timings once the official programme is published.
Why People Visit the Hornbill Festival
- Living culture. The dances, songs and costumes are not staged only for visitors. They are part of the real traditions of the Naga communities.
- Food. Naga cuisine is known for smoked pork, bamboo shoot dishes, fermented flavours and the famous king chilli. The food stalls and the chef events are a highlight for many visitors.
- Indigenous games. Traditional sports give you a look at the strength and skills that have been passed down for generations.
- Music. The music festival mixes folk, fusion and rock, and Nagaland has a strong live music culture.
- Shopping. The craft bazaar offers shawls, bamboo products, beads, wood carvings and handwoven items made by local artisans.
How to Reach Kisama
By air: The nearest airport is Dimapur, around 70 to 75 km from Kohima. From Dimapur you can take a taxi or a shared cab to Kohima, which takes roughly two to three hours depending on the road and traffic.
By train: Dimapur is also the nearest major railway station. From there you can continue by road.
By road: Kohima is connected by road to Dimapur and to neighbouring states. Taxis, buses and shared vehicles run during the festival. From Kohima, Kisama is a short drive of about 12 km, and special transport is usually arranged for festival visitors.
Tip: Hotels in Kohima fill up early in the festival season. Book your stay and your transport as soon as your dates are fixed.
Weather in December
Kohima is cold and mostly clear in December. Daytime can feel pleasant in the sun, but mornings and evenings are chilly. Expect temperatures roughly between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius. Pack warm layers, a jacket, a cap and comfortable walking shoes.
Permits and Entry Rules
Entry rules for Nagaland have changed in recent years, and different websites currently give different information about permits for domestic tourists. Because of this, please check the official Nagaland Tourism website and the state government portal for the latest rules before you travel. Foreign visitors should check the permit and registration rules that apply to them. In all cases, carry a valid government photo ID.
Tickets and Passes
Entry to the Kisama arena is usually through tickets or passes. Daily tickets and multi-day passes have been offered in earlier years, and tickets are normally sold through the official Nagaland Tourism channels and at the venue. Prices and availability for 2026 should be checked on the official website.
Best Days to Visit
For the full experience: Come for the opening day on 1 December, when the festival is at its most energetic.
For smaller crowds: Mid-festival days, such as 4 to 6 December on weekdays, are usually calmer inside the arena.
For music: Plan for the last few days, when the music festival and the night carnival are at their peak.
If you can spare only one day, you will see a lot. But two days are better: one for the morungs and performances, and another for the games, food and shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hornbill Festival 2026?
The Hornbill Festival 2026 will be held from 1 December to 10 December 2026.
Where is the Hornbill Festival held?
It is held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima, Nagaland.
Which edition of the Hornbill Festival is this?
The 2026 festival is the 27th edition. The 26th edition was held in December 2025.
Is the Hornbill Festival 2026 programme officially released?
The dates and venue are confirmed. The detailed programme had not been officially published at the time of writing, so the schedule on this page is a probable plan only.
How many days does the festival last?
Ten days, every year, from 1 to 10 December.
What is the best time to visit?
The opening days and the last weekend are the busiest and most colourful. Mid-week days are quieter.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, a jacket, closed shoes and a cap or scarf. Evenings in Kohima get cold.
Is the festival good for families?
Yes. There are cultural shows, food stalls, games and shopping, and many families attend each year.
Why is it called the Hornbill Festival?
It is named after the hornbill bird, which is respected in Naga folklore and appears in traditional songs, stories and dress.