December has arrived, marking the start of one of India’s most exciting festivals. Taking place in the Northeast, specifically in Nagaland, this event is known as the Hornbill Festival. The Hornbill Festival 2025 started on December 1st and will continue until December 10th. Organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, this festival brings together a rich array of cultural exhibits in one location. Each year, it is celebrated in Kohima, with activities held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 km from Kohima. All of Nagaland’s tribes participate in this vibrant celebration, which aims to preserve and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage.
This festival offers a great opportunity to connect with the local people and learn about their traditions. And if you are planning to attend the Hornbill Festival 2025, the Kohima Police have released a detailed advisory mentioning route changes, parking options, and security measures to ensure smooth crowd and traffic management. Read on for all the details.
Also Read: Top 10 Experiences At Hornbill Festival 2025 – From Tribal Dances To Rock Shows
Here’s What You Need To Know For Hornbill Festival 2025
- Traffic restrictions will be in place in Kohima from December 1 to 10, affecting heavy vehicles and access points. During this period, heavy vehicles will not be allowed entry from 7 am to 10 pm.
- Vehicles coming from Manipur will be redirected from Kidima to Keyake and then to Peducha. Additionally, the stretch from Y-Junction Phoolbari to Razhü Point will be closed daily from 4 pm to 9 pm.
- Access from New Market Road to New NST will also be restricted.
- City buses will stop at Phoolbari in the south and Razhü Point in the north. Parking will only be allowed in specific areas based on the type of pass.
Security Review! Sr. Superintendent of Police & Kohima Police officers conducted an on-site security assessment at Kisama Heritage Village today. Tourist Police were briefed on their specialized roles. Our goal: A safe & seamless festival for all.#HornbillFestival2025 pic.twitter.com/DKhNrwZuP4
— Kohima Police (@KohimaPolice) November 30, 2025
What To Know About The Parking For Hornbill Festival 2025
Organizers and performers will have designated parking at the amphitheatre, while VVIPs (Z category) will park at the Main Arena or WW-II Museum. Heads of Departments (X category) and general attendees (Y category), along with Persons with Disabilities (PWD), will use the parking near Gate 2.
Vendors can enter through Japfu Christian College before 9 am and after 6 pm, exiting via Imagiland. Those without a valid parking pass can use the Kimipfüphe local ground in Kigwema, with free shuttle service available to the festival location. Visitors are encouraged to follow safety protocols and cooperate with law enforcement.
Also Read: Nagaland Travel Guide
How To Reach Nagaland For The Festival
Reaching the Festival in Nagaland can be done via different modes of transport. By air, you can fly into Dimapur, which has connections to major cities like Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi. From Dimapur, it’s a two-hour road trip to Kohima.
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For those traveling by road, good highways link Kohima to Shillong and Guwahati. The main railway station is also in Dimapur, connected to Guwahati. Don’t forget to secure the necessary Inner Line permit for domestic tourists or register at the Foreigners Registration Office if you’re a foreign visitor.
