Context

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 19th Hornbill Festival at Kisama village near state capital Kohima in Nagaland.

About

Hornbill Festival:

• The Hornbill Festivalis a celebration held every year from 1 - 10 December in Nagaland.
• It is also called the 'Festival of Festivals'.
• Why: To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural through colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies.
• The first festival was held in 2000.
• The festival is named after the Indian hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in the folklore of most of the state's tribes.
• The celebrations and programmes have been scheduled in five districts of the state Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung, Phek and Wokha. 

Benefits:

• The Hornbill Festival has contributed significantly in enhancing the state's tourism.
• Tourism promoters believe that the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland allows tourists to have an insight into the different tribes of Nagaland. 
• It fosters understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the state, its resourceful architecture and its ethnic cuisine.