Of Tribes and Terrains, A Hornbill Chapter

With no local script, the ancient history of Nagaland is quite unclear. The earliest records of the presence of the Naga people in the region dates back to 1228 CE. However, what we do know for sure is that Nagaland was an independent state without much interaction with the outside world due to cultural barriers and geographical isolation.

Life remained fairly undisturbed until the British annexed Assam in 1826 and the warrior tribes of the hills of the Assam Valley (now referred to as the Nagas) came to their notice. Over the next few decades, hostility rose as the people of Nagaland fought hard to protect their land and identity and a series of battles were fought where many British soldiers, as well as Naga warriors, lost their lives.

Nagaland holds a stunning amalgamation of diverse cultures that are evident in everything from language and cuisine to attire and traditional machetes. The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural celebration held in the beautiful state of Nagaland, India. The festival, that annually takes place from December 1 to 10, was created in 2000 to showcase the rich and unique culture of the 17 major tribes residing in the state.

Decades later, the World War II has a huge impact on the peace of the land for a considerable period of time. Even after that, post the independence of India, the people of Nagaland came into friction with the Indian Government as they fought for regional autonomy. These instances of conflict over and over again (British invasion, World War II and then finally against the Indian Army) lead to a lot of the traditional culture, from customs to regional architecture of the land, being burnt away over time.

From the year 1963 onwards, Nagaland was given its own statehood under the Indian constitution. As of today, 17 major tribes are officially recognized in Nagaland. Apart from these, there are numerous sub-tribes that dwell in the state.

Named after the revered hornbill bird, which is seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Naga culture, the festival provides a platform for these tribes to come together and share their heritage through various art forms, including local music, dance, and sports. Visitors can indulge in traditional Naga cuisine, witness cultural performances, watch traditional sports like wrestling and archery and learn all about the distinct cultural diversity the state holds.

The Hornbill Festival was conceived as a means to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote the cultural heritage of Nagaland, ensuring that the wealth of Naga traditions is celebrated and preserved for generations to come. Each edition of the festival, while rooted in tradition, seeks to add contemporary elements and broader social interactions, making it a mirror reflecting both the ancient and the modern aspects of Naga society.