Sep 11 2014 : The Economic Times (Delhi)
Beats of the North-East
By Rashmi Henriques Rashmi Henriques
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Nagaland is a place of rich culture, heritage and folklore. Explore traditional and rock music (at the same time) at the Hornbill Festival in December
If you thought dancing to Bollywood numbers is all that India has to offer? Then, sip some coffee and think again! A land rich in culture and heritage, India has bought to fore various forms of music and dance -classical, folklore and the most-popular (after Bollywood) is Electronic Dance Music. Traditional dance forms like Odissi, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri and Mohiniattam fascinate foreigners to come to this land of rich culture.Konark Dance & Music Festival has been patronising Indian dance forms for decades, Storm in Bangalore is a perfect platform for young artistes who want to make a lasting impact on the Indian music scene. For dance enthusiasts, Khajuraho Dance Festival and Hornbill Festival in Nagaland is a must-visit. Here is the list of the best Dance & Music Festivals held every year in India. We suggest you pack in some drums, guitar and tabla for your young lad and string together some tunes this holiday.HORNBILL FESTIVAL
REGION: Kohima, Nagaland
There is hardly a dull moment during Hornbill Festival.Named after the bird, it is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland. The hornbill is particularly revered by the Nagas and is reflected in tribal folklore, dances and songs. This year, the festival will be held from December 1 to 10 and will be attended by all of Nagaland's major tribes. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and games in the background of replicas of tribal hutments, complete with wood carvings and hollow log drum instruments. There are also plenty of handicraft and food stalls, and heady rice beer for tourists.
In the evenings after sundown, the main attraction is the Hornbill National Rock Concert. Music bands from all over the country come to compete. Tourists plan months in advance to witness the rich culture and heritage of Nagas.NOTE: As the festival is one of the biggest tourist draws in Nagaland, it is necessary to book in advance. Make sure you bargain at the souvenir shops. Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit, which is available from any Nagaland House, or Government of Nagaland office. You could also download the form online. http:www.hornbillfestival.com
REGION: Kohima, Nagaland
There is hardly a dull moment during Hornbill Festival.Named after the bird, it is one of the largest celebrations of the indigenous warrior tribes of Nagaland. The hornbill is particularly revered by the Nagas and is reflected in tribal folklore, dances and songs. This year, the festival will be held from December 1 to 10 and will be attended by all of Nagaland's major tribes. It features traditional arts, dances, folk songs, and games in the background of replicas of tribal hutments, complete with wood carvings and hollow log drum instruments. There are also plenty of handicraft and food stalls, and heady rice beer for tourists.
In the evenings after sundown, the main attraction is the Hornbill National Rock Concert. Music bands from all over the country come to compete. Tourists plan months in advance to witness the rich culture and heritage of Nagas.NOTE: As the festival is one of the biggest tourist draws in Nagaland, it is necessary to book in advance. Make sure you bargain at the souvenir shops. Indian tourists need an Inner Line Permit, which is available from any Nagaland House, or Government of Nagaland office. You could also download the form online. http:www.hornbillfestival.com
