The Hornbill Festival 2023, renowned for its rich tapestry of music and cultural diversity, is set to enthrall audiences in its 24th edition starting December 1. This iconic festival, held in the picturesque city of Kohima, Nagaland, promises an unforgettable experience for over 2 lakh attendees over ten days.
Conceptualized in 2000 under the leadership of the then and current Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the festival has become a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Northeast India. It uniquely brings together all 17 major tribes of the region, offering a vibrant display of art, culture, dance, and traditional lifestyles.
This year’s festival, hosted at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, will feature a remarkable line-up of over 800 artists from varied corners of the world, including the USA, Germany, Colombia, South Korea, and the Indian subcontinent. The eclectic mix of genres includes Hip Hop, rock, jazz, funk, folk, pop, and retro, ensuring there’s something for every music enthusiast.
One of the unique aspects of the Hornbill Music Festival is its focus on promoting young Indian and Naga bands without emphasizing a singular headliner. This approach provides a platform for emerging talents to shine alongside internationally acclaimed artists.
Among the notable performers this year are Grammy Winner Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt with the Nagaland Ensemble, Elm Tree Circle from Germany, Los Rolling Ruanas of Colombia, and Larry Yazzie from the US. The festival also celebrates gender diversity, featuring around 12 female-fronted or led bands.
Every evening, from 5 pm to 9:30 pm, the main stage at Kisama will come alive with performances that are freely accessible to all visitors of the Naga Heritage Village. The festival’s inclusive and diverse programming makes it a unique cultural landmark, not just in India, but on the global festival map.
Theja Meru, Chairman of the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), which hosts the festival, shares his excitement about this year’s event, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of talents and promoting cultural exchange.
As the Hornbill Music Festival kicks off, it promises to be a memorable celebration of music, art, and cultural heritage, drawing visitors from across the globe and providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents on an international stage.