Known as a global biodiversity hotspot, Nagaland is a place of unparalleled natural beauty with plenty to feast your eyes upon. Despite being feared as the descendants of ferocious headhunters, the Nagas have large hearts and will go out of their way to make you feel at home. Bonds will be built over stories, several glasses of rice beer, laughter and a hot meal. The Hornbill Festival began in the year 2000 when the state government embarked upon an ambitious project to promote the cultural assets of the Nagas with a festival to coincide with the celebration of Nagaland’s statehood Day on 1st Dec. Now in its 15th year, it is one of the fastest growing festivals in India. The Hornbill Festival held every year from the 1st to 10th December, draws all the diverse tribes and sub tribes of Nagaland to Kisama Heritage Village whichhosts a medley of cultural performances, indigenous games, craft bazaars, music events, fashion shows, food courts and a series of competitions. A prominent sight at Kisama is the imposing tribal Morungs or youth dormitories. The Morungs represent each Naga community and each Morung is different and unique. 2015’s ten-day fiesta began with a brief official function that included the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor of Nagaland P. Acharya as well as the Chief Minister of Nagaland T.R Zeliang along with distinguished guests from various parts of the country. Exciting competitions like the Greased Bamboo Pole Climbing competition, the Fire Making Competition, the Pork Lard Eating competition and the Naga King Chilly eating Competition took place at the main venue. Greased Pole Climbing is common among most Naga tribes. Three competitors from each tribe were allowed in the competition where they climed a 10 ft tall bamboo pole greased with pork fat during which the participant but apply mud to create friction thereby making it a tad easier to climb the pole. The Fire Making Competition allowed two participants from each tribe. The fire making equipment i.e. a wooden handle, sliced bamboo, cotton, millet straw and thatch were arranged by the individual participants. No other help like kindling or matcheswere allowed. The ones who light up a candle the fastest from the fire they had created was the winner. The Pork Eating Competition contest showcased some of the states most voracious fat eaters and was an event worth witnessing. The entire States Pork fat lovers come to take part in this competition by eating a maximum amount of fat in the allotted time. The fiery Naga Chilly eating competition in its third year of running was again, a major hit for both locals as well as for tourists. The competitions was open for all and there was a special category for tourists. The Hornbill International Rock contest is an exclusive chapter for music lovers. Launched on 4th December at Indira Gandhi stadium, Hockey ground, Kohima, the 4 days of the contest saw 28 bands from across the country pitting their skills to see who wo
