Hornbill Festival 2024: Nagaland's Cultural Extravaganza Draws Over 100,000 Visitors in Six Days

KOHIMA: The 25th Hornbill Festival, an iconic cultural event in India, began on December 1, 2024, and will continue until December 10. Held in Kohima, Nagaland, this vibrant festival has already drawn significant attention, with an impressive 101,496 visitors recorded in its first six days.

Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival is a celebration of the rich traditions and cultural heritage of Nagaland’s indigenous tribes.

The festival offers a unique blend of traditional and modern attractions. Visitors can enjoy vibrant music and dance performances that showcase tribal folklore, sample ethnic cuisine that represents the region's culinary diversity, and explore a bustling crafts bazaar featuring handmade items by local artisans. Adding a contemporary twist, the event includes rock concerts, fashion shows, and exhibitions, making it a dynamic platform that appeals to a wide audience.

Tokha E. Tuccumi, Joint Director of the Directorate of Tourism, Nagaland, shared attendance statistics that highlight the festival's wide reach. On December 1, the opening day, 23,910 visited, including 51 foreign tourists, 5,486 domestic tourists, and 17,911 local attendees.

The numbers went down a little on December 2, totaling 17,588 visitors, but remained steady over the following days. Daily attendance by December 6 had risen to 14,856, comprising foreign, domestic, and local visitors. This year’s festival has demonstrated its growing reputation as not just a local tradition but an international attraction.

It has drawn tourists from around the globe who come to experience the colorful blend of tradition and festivity. The event serves as a reminder of the cultural richness of Nagaland and its ability to merge age-old customs with modern events seamlessly.

The Directorate of Tourism expects the increase in attendance to continue through the remaining four days as more visitors reach Kohima. The Hornbill Festival testifies to Nagaland's great culture and hospitality, reaffirming its status as a leading cultural event on India's calendar and a destination for cultural exploration and celebration.

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