Nagaland Hornbill Festival 2025: Experience the Magic of India’s Unique Cultural Fusion and Global Music Talent

Published on November 29, 2025

The Hornbill Festival, an annual event held from December 1–10 in Nagaland, is a lively and vibrant celebration that honors the cultural richness of the state’s 16 Naga tribes. Held at the scenic Kisama Heritage Village, just outside Kohima, this festival serves as a stunning showcase of Naga traditions, including music, dance, crafts, indigenous sports, and local cuisine. As one of the most anticipated events in India’s cultural calendar, the festival brings together diverse elements of Naga heritage and modern entertainment, creating an unparalleled fusion of ancient and contemporary traditions.

One of the key attractions is the Hornbill Festival music fest, which features nightly rock concerts and a variety of musical performances that run parallel to the main cultural event. The highlight of this musical extravaganza is the much-loved “Battle of the Bands” competition, which brings together both international and local acts, offering an eclectic mix of genres that enhance the overall experience of the festival. This year’s music festival will be no different, as the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) Nagaland has unveiled the first wave of performers for the 2025 edition, showcasing a stellar array of global and Indian talents.

International Line-up and Global Highlights

The 2025 edition of the Toyota Hornbill Music Festival promises an even more exciting and diverse international line-up. TaFMA chairman Theja Meru revealed that the festival will feature an exciting mix of bands and artistes from across the globe, including countries such as Ireland, Scotland, South Korea, Israel, Nepal, Japan, and India. The highly anticipated return of the renowned Japanese drumming ensemble, Drum Tao, will be a major highlight of the festival, following its success last year.

The international performers set to take the stage include Rumac (Scotland), Drum Tao (Japan), Japan Junior Orchestra (Japan), Agniva (France), BoINN – Friends of the Mary Wallopers (Ireland), Mongdoll (South Korea), Yekumi (Israel), Space (Nepal), DJ Angy-Z (Russia), and Roots Zombie (France). These international acts will share the stage with a strong representation of Indian and Naga performers, showcasing an impressive array of musical genres and adding to the festival’s global appeal.

The 2025 festival’s commitment to showcasing diverse musical talent is evident, with performances lined up from Indian and Naga favourites such as The Fantastic Company, Novo, Trance Effect, Lateral Move, Street Stories, Wishes and Dreams, Akhanda, Rhythm of the Earth (SAMVAAD), Nagaland Collective, Shreya Karmakar, Gingerfeet, GATC, KL Pamei, Temsu Clover, Hope Academy, Noisy Neighbours, Juxtaposed, Dobom Doji Collective, David Angu, Alive, and Bright Lights. With such an impressive line-up, this year’s Hornbill Music Festival is set to offer an experience like no other, combining the spirit of Nagaland with global musical influences.

New Features and Exciting Additions

The Hornbill Festival continues to innovate and evolve, with several new features set to make this year’s event even more special. The Hornbill Busking Zone, introduced last year, returns to offer emerging performers from all 17 districts of Nagaland a chance to showcase their talent in front of a large audience. This initiative ensures that every district is represented, fostering inclusivity and giving a platform to local artists.

This year also sees the introduction of the inaugural Nagaland Choir Games, scheduled for December 8–9 at the Capital Cultural Hall in Kohima. This event will bring together choirs from across the state, celebrating vocal excellence and the rich choral traditions of Nagaland.

In an effort to expand the festival’s reach and foster regional tourism, the Hornbill Music Festival will also be held in six districts this year, in collaboration with district partners and local hospitality venues. This expansion is aimed at making the festival more accessible to communities beyond Kohima, offering a deeper experience of Nagaland’s cultural fabric.

One of the most anticipated international collaborations is the special performance by South Korean band Mongdoll and Naga act Trance Effect. This fusion of global and local talent promises to be one of the highlights of the festival, further cementing Hornbill’s status as a truly international event.

Travel Tips for the Hornbill Festival 2025

For those planning to attend the Hornbill Festival in 2025, here are some essential travel tips:

Before You Go:

• Get Your Permits: Indian visitors will need an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to enter Nagaland. This can be obtained online or through designated government offices. Foreign tourists only need a valid Indian tourist visa, but must register with the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) within 24 hours of arrival.
• Book Accommodation and Transport Early: Hotels, homestays, and tour packages in Kohima and surrounding areas fill up quickly during the festival, so booking your accommodation well in advance is recommended.
• Plan Your Transportation: The nearest airport and railway station to Kohima is in Dimapur, located around 70 km away. From Dimapur, taxis and buses travel to Kohima, and local taxis can take you to Kisama Heritage Village, the festival venue.
• Pack Appropriately: The weather in Kohima in December can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C. Warm clothing, including jackets, scarves, and comfortable walking shoes, is recommended.

During Your Visit:

• Entry Tickets: Daily tickets can be purchased at the gate, but if you plan on attending multiple events, you may want to buy multi-day passes or special event tickets in advance.
• Respect Local Culture: The Hornbill Festival is a cultural event deeply rooted in Naga traditions. Visitors should dress modestly, seek permission before photographing individuals, and show respect during traditional performances.
• Stay Hydrated: Given the large crowds and festival atmosphere, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Carry a reusable water bottle with you.
• Carry Cash: Although digital payments are becoming more common, many smaller vendors and stalls still prefer cash, so it’s advisable to keep some local currency on hand.

Festival Venue & Dates:

• Venue: Kisama Heritage Village, approximately 12 km from Kohima
• Festival Dates: December 1–10, 2025

The Hornbill Festival is not just a celebration of Nagaland’s culture but an invitation to experience its warmth, creativity, and spirit. Whether you’re a music lover, a cultural enthusiast, or simply looking to explore something new, the 2025 edition of the Hornbill Festival promises to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience.