From sweet gentle melody to aggressive heavy metals and strong trendy music, the momentum of music scene in the far North Eastern state of the country, Nagaland, is massively accelerating. To indulge in at this serene realm of music, the best time is during the Hornbill Festival, which is being organised by the state government to promote, revive and protect the richness of the indigenous people’s heritage and traditions. Along with various other fun filled activities, the festival is held from 1st to 10th December every year at Naga Heritage village, Kisama, which is 10 km away from the state capital, Kohima.
Coinciding with the festival, the most thrilling music festival of India, the Hornbill International Music Festival (HIMF) is also held every year. This music festival has been well attended by internationally acclaimed artists like Helloween, Smokie, Mr. Big, Kee Marcello, Vennie Moore and many other renown artists. Much to the excitement of music lovers, the HIMF also hosts India’s largest rock music contest, where the winner pockets a cash prize of 1 million rupees. The 2018 HIMF rock contest was won by a Bengaluru band, Perfect Strangers, at the grand finale held at Agri Expo, Dimapur on 7th December.
This small state doesn’t only boast of the famous visits or the major annual music events but when it comes to music, the state has already produced so many excellent musicians like Alobo Naga & The Band (ANTB), who had even reached No. 4 on International Top 10 charts on the global music channel, VH1, competing with the likes of Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Red Hot Chilli Pepper, etc., Nise Meruno, the brand ambassador of Yamaha Piano who is also set to perform at the wedding of India’s richest man, Ambani’s daughter, Isha. There are also many promising local artists who don’t only give pleasing echoes during festive season but throughout the year along with the occasional visits of great bands like White Lion, Fire House, Hillsong, Petra, MLTR, etc. If you are a music lover, this is the right place, a must visit destination for you. Remember, 1st to 10th December, every year, to experience the atmosphere of music, culture, tradition and adventure at a go!
About Guest Writer;
Khumong T Khiamniungan (Student of LPU School of Civil Engineering).
I am a reticent who finds writing the best way of expressing thoughts.
