The colour, the outfits and the obvious delight of the tribes people who perform in Kohima make the Hornbill Festival the perfect introduction to Naga culture. Celebrated over the first ten days of December every year, the first few days can be over run with visitors, many of whom are government dignitaries. Once that is over with, the festival returns to its format of dances, re-enactments, and songs which are performed twice a day by each of the 17 tribes. The rest of the time is spent socialising, tasting tribal food, hospitality and rice beer in a recreated traditional village composed of several Morungs. Traditionally the Morung or youth dormitory is used to be an essential part of Naga life. Apart from the family, a person's time living in the Morung was the most important part of their education and acculturation. The Morungs were grand buildings and at this festival each tribe has constructed one to showcase their culture. Visitors can enter, eat and converse with the tribes many of whom speak English. Once this has been experienced, you can then embark on a more adventurous trip around the state learning about each individual tribe, staying with them and experiencing the local festivals. I hope this photograph captures the exuberance of the performers.