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 Festival is all about inter-tribe interaction as well as the rich and varied cultural heritage of Nagaland. There’s dancing, games, fanfare and general revelry. In addition to all this, a contemporary 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 quirky 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.

hornbill1

 

2. Stunning Naga women

hornbill2

 

3. Groups of friends

hornbill5

 

4. Even the Tetseo Sisters are there! 

hornbill3

 

5. There’s dancing..

hornbill6

 

6. A whole lot of dancing.

hornbill17

 

7. People dressed in colourful traditional attire.

hornbill7

 

8. Each representing their tribe.

hornbill9

 

9. Hundreds of people have gathered..

hornbill12

 

10. To watch performances that celebrate Nagaland.

hornbill13

 

11.

hornbill14

 

12. There are happy couples

hornbill15

 

13. Gorgeous headdresses

hornbill19

 

14. Smiling faces

hornbill16

 

15. And the beautiful landscape.

hornbill18

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)