Sentinel Digital Desk
The Hornbill Festival is a celebration held every year from 1 to 10 December, in Nagaland.
The first hornbill festival was held in December 2000 and from then it's celebrated every year.
The inauguration day also coincides with statehood day celebration of Nagaland because on this day in 1963 Nagaland became the 16th state of Indian Union.
They celebrate this festival to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland.
The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state's tribes.
The venue in which the festival is celebrated has 16 gates representing 16 different tribes of Nagaland.
The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies.
Another surprise was a stone pulling event that brought together 3,000 young Angami men to mark the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Naga sports competition.
The Hornbill Festival has contributed significantly to enhancing the state's tourism brand.
Tourism promoters believe that the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland allows tourists to have an insight into the different tribes of Nagaland.
Camping facility is also available near the Hornbill Festival event area organised by local tour operator Camp Zingaros.