Chiiz Volume 2 : Maternity Photography

Manish Lakhani
Gujarat, India
HORNBILL FESTIVAL: Symbol Of Unity In Diversity
Hornbill Festival is the most awaited,
and anticipated festival for the people
of Nagaland. This festival symbolizes
solidarity which binds the inhabitants
of different tribes who come to a single
platform to showcase their culture and
traditions to the outside world. These
are the customs which they have been
following for centuries, and were passed
down to them by their ancestors.
The state of Nagaland is one of the smallest
states in India, which shares its borders with
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Burma, and
Manipur and is inhabited by 17 tribes which
are known for their unique and unorthodox
practices. Angami, Ao, Chakhesang,
Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak,
Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma,
Sangtam, Sumi, Yimchunger, and Zeme-
Liangmai (Zeliang) are the major tribes as
well as some of the subtribes are among the
few major participants.
This festival is celebrated in an open air
museum at the Naga Heritage Village,
Kisama which is located 12 kms to the
south of Kohima, the capital of Nagaland.
Being known as the ‘Festival of Festivals’,
this open-air museum offers a vibrant
culture of the 16 officially recognized
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tribes of Nagaland which are exhibited
with each tribe being represented in their
respective traditional houses or Morungs
(Youth dormitory). The festival is named
after the majestic hornbill, which has its
history rooted in most of the state’s tribal
folklores. All members of the different
tribes talk about the majestical stories of
this bird when they meet at the festival.
Traditionally, hornbill’s feathers are used
for display on headwear, which is made of
boar’s teeth and orchid stems.
This festival was the result of government’s
step to promote tourism in the state, with
an underlying objective of promoting the
rich heritage & culture to the world and
also to keep the tribal spirit ignited among
the people of Nagaland. Different tribes in
Nagaland enjoy myriad of festivals based
on their agrarian calendar which makes
it a land of festivals. Predominantly, the
economy of the state is dependent on
agriculture and is known for their principal
crops like rice, corn, millets, pulses,
tobacco, oilseeds, sugarcane, potatoes,
and fibre. Most of the festivals of tribals
in Nagaland revolves around agriculture
based on the harvesting of different crops.
Naga’s are also known for their highly
spirited and brave warriors who have
Will Kill You With My Smile
Nikon D700 35mm F/4 1/1250s ISO200
gained the ability and art to conquer battles
for their tribes. This Festival is the biggest
celebration for all the indigenous warriors,
who had fought battles for the protection
and preservation of their tribes. On this
special event, songs are sung for all the
brave warriors. Each tribe in Nagaland
has their own traditional ceremonial
attire, including multi-colored spears,
ivory armlets, dyed goat’s hair, and exotic
headgears.
This festival is organised by the State
Tourism and Arts & Cultural Department
of Nagaland. This festival is celebrated every
year from 1st to December 10th with lots of
enthusiasm and religious spirit among the
members of each tribe. The place welcomes
tourists with full warmth and love at the
venue by addressing them with cultural
artistry, music, multi-cuisine, dances, and
Tushar Sharma
tushar@chiiz.com
Tushar Sharma is an
advocate by profession.
He believes that
“thoughts are not just
merely an expression of
someone’s idea, rather
they are a voice that brings a change and can
provide the world with a new perspective to think and
contemplate different ideas''