The wonderful annual celebration of Naga culture has begun, and these stunning pictures from its first three days will make you wish you were there.

A state-sponsored ten day event, The Hornbill FestivalΒ is all aboutΒ inter-tribe interaction as well as the rich and varied cultural heritage of Nagaland. There’s dancing, games, fanfare and general revelry.Β In addition to all this,Β a contemporaryΒ Hornbill Rock Festival is hosted in Kohima, where the best of bands battle each other for a grand prize. Adventure car rallies, chilli eating contests and quirkyΒ events are also form a part of this glorious celebration.

Here’s the first look at this year’s festival in some gorgeous images, clicked by brilliant photographer Sujay Das.

 

1. This year’s Hornbill Festival has everything.

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2. Stunning Naga women

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3. Groups of friends

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4. Even the Tetseo Sisters areΒ there!Β 

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5. There’s dancing..

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6. A whole lot of dancing.

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7. People dressed in colourful traditional attire.

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8. Each representing their tribe.

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9. Hundreds of people have gathered..

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10. To watch performances that celebrate Nagaland.

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11.

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12. There are happy couples

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13. Gorgeous headdresses

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14. Smiling faces

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15. And the beautiful landscape.

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What more could you possibly want from a festival? Keep an eye on The Sherp for more pictures of the rest of the event!

(All Images Courtesy: Sujay Das/Facebook)