Eastnews FEBRUARY 2016 FLIGHT OF THE HORNBILL Also called Woodstock of the Northeast, the Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is a colourful and biggest cultural extravaganza of the North East. Held in the first ten days of December, the festival has been designed by the government to showcase the rich heritage of all of the North-Eastern region. All the tribes from the North East congregate to the open amphitheater of the festival area and take place at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisamawhich is about 10kms from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. Traditional Naga huts and Morungs (boy s dormitories) typical to each of the Naga tribes are built and erected in a way that closely resembles their traditional euphoria on a small hillock in Kisama. The place itself is scenic and mystical, and the festival is simply epic!
The Hornbill Festival celebrations are marked with vibrant displays of traditional dances, sports, and songs of the various Naga tribes. Cultural dances, indigenous sports, various competitions and folk songs are the main highlights that are spread over all the days of the Hornbill Festival. And one can get to see a colorful and vibrant celebration of a culture that s so mystic and intriguing. The warrior log drums, the colorful headgear, the soulful war cry, the exquisite costumes are all striking and something that you won't forget. Delicious local cuisines and delicacies that are typical to each of the Naga tribes are served in their respective Morungs along with the finest rice beer. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, over the years, has evolved from being just a celebration of the culture and tradition of the Nagas into one big cultural event for all the 8 Northeast States. Cultural troupes from all the northeastern states participate during this festival and it is a delight watching all the different cultures coming together under one roof. Hornbill Festival is a great time to experience the cultural diversity of North East India. The Hornbill Festival is not just about reliving past, it is also a celebration of the present. The biggest Rock Festival of North-East is hosted at Kohima every year during the Hornbill Festival. It is believed that singing and dancing is a way of life and comes naturally to the Nagas. And the biggest rock event is no doubt a part of the vibrant Hornbill celebrations. Apart from this, an adventure car rally and various other contest and events are also organized. The Kohima Night Bazaar is also an interesting aspect of the Hornbill Festival. The stretch of the Kohima Main town comes alive for 7 nights during the Hornbill Festival with food, music, and fun. The street is overcrowded with various food stalls serving out some of the finest delicacies and it s simply amazing walking through the hustle-bustle.
TRIBES OF NAGALAND
The Hornbill was specially scouted by Abhishek who is a Nikon Award winning photographer and develops and leads Eastbound s Photo Tours. All the images in this Newsletter are clicked by him and we will be happy to share them for promotional use. We can assist you with special programs / itineraries for 2016 and 2017.
ABOUT NAGALAND Nagaland, with its diverse tribal culture, is a land of festivals. A narrow strip of mountainous territory with rugged hills, emerald valleys, sparkling streams and a rich variety of flora and fauna, the 16th State of the Indian Union has salubrious climate throughout the year. It is bounded by Assam in the west, Myanmar in the east, Arunachal Pradesh in the north and Manipur in the south. Sometimes referred to as the `Switzerland of the East', Nagaland represents unimaginable beauty, molded perfectly for a breathtaking experience. For the adventurous, the State is an ideal place for trekking and jungle camping and offers limitless possibilities for exploring its lush sub-tropical rainforests, which are a treasure trove of medicinal HOW TO GET THERE The best way is to fly into Dimapur which isthe nearest airport to Kohima, 74 kms/ 3 ½ hrsdrive.there are regular flights from Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati to Dimapur Airport. Kohima is connected by road to Kaziranga, which is a good 6 hrs of drive. And to Imphal in Manipur which is a 4 hrs drive.
KING CHILI RULES! The famous Naga King Chili, the second hottest chili on earth was reported to being sold at USD $814 per kg in Japan recently. The staggering price of the chili which is typically grown in North Eastern region of India and used extensively in its cooking, has both national and international fan following which has led to a sky-rocketing prices and popularity. EAT, PAUSE, REPEAT Nagaland offers diverse eating options; from frogs, dog meat, honeybees, bugs you can have it all! Or if your taste buds don t extend to this, then try the chili pork, chicken and meat dishes. Vegetarians will have to stick to the basic lentils and rice preparations. SHOPAHOLICS DELIGHT! Nagaland is a haven for organic and natural products. From pure jagery, honey and Naga Chili pickles and sauce to gorgeous handmade jewellery, bone products, decorative items and much more! QUICK FACTS ABOUT NAGALAND 1816 - Came directly under the rule of Burma Dec 1, 1963 - Got the official status of a state 16,579 km2 - Total area 80% Of the gross-cropped area is under rice cultivation 20% Of the total land area of Nagaland is covered in wooded forests
KHONOMA VILLAGE Khonoma village is located about 20 km from the state capital, Kohima. The village, referred to as Khwunoria (named after the Angami term for a local plant, Gloutherafragrantisima), is estimated to be around 700 years old and is spread over an area of 123sq.km. The total population of the village is about 3000, settled in 600 households. Khonoma is famous for its forests and a unique form of agriculture, including some of the oldest terraced cultivation in the region. The terrain of the village is hilly, ranging from gentle slopes to steep and rugged hillsides. Over a hundred years ago, advancing British troops found themselves facing a determined warrior tribe in the highlands of Nagaland. The Angami men of Khonoma, famed for their martial prowess and strategic skills, fought a resolute battle to safeguard their territory, inflicting heavy casualties on the foreign soldiers. The village is recorded to have resisted British rule in the region from 1830s to 1880. Finally a truce between the two stopped further bloodshed, but meanwhile Khonoma village had etched its name into the history of Indian resistance to the colonial invasion. Christianity was introduced in the village in 1890, and today most of the villagers are of this faith.
HOTELS IN KOHIMA THE ULTIMATE TRAVELLING CAMPS Kohima Camp, Nagaland, introduced by 'The Ultimate Travelling Camp' crosses into the realm of the unknown, exploring the unexplored, showcasing the cultural treasures of the Land of the Nagas, known as the last head hunters, in the exotic state of Nagaland, hidden in the northeastern part of India. Kohima Camp coincides with the ten-day Hornbill Festival, an annual melange of cultural displays from all 16 tribes of Nagaland, showcasing their rich heritage in this colourful pageant. Each day brings forth their vibrant performances, crafts, sports like archery and wrestling, food fairs, games and religious ceremonies. At Kohima Camp, Nagaland, relax in individually designed tents, with en-suite bathrooms, crisp linen and the services of your very own butler. Enjoy a drink of the local rice beer, savour delicious tribal recipes and participate in celebrations of the unique Hornbill Festival. DE ORIENTAL GRAND De Oriental Grand is spread over a lush space, the property is located in the heart of Kohima Town, offering its visitors and guests an experience filled with good food, strikingly serene and calm ambience and overall excellent service. This is the best property in Kohima after Ultimate Travelling Camps. HOTEL VIVOR A huge new modern building in the middle of sprawling Kohima Big and spacious rooms with good bedding and showers. The restaurant serves very nice and authentic food. This is one of the best hotels in Kohima. HOTEL JAPHU One of the oldest hotels here, a semi government run property is big and has the best location, right in the heart of the city. However, it needs a serious renovation.we will not recommend this hotel for our clients.
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