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English: The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) also known as great Indian hornbill or great pied hornbill, is one of the larger members of the hornbill family. Great hornbills are found in the forests of Nepal, India, the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, Indonesia. Their impressive size and colour have made them important in many tribal cultures and rituals. The great hornbill is long-lived, living for nearly 50 years in captivity. They are predominantly frugivorous although they are opportunists and will prey on small mammals, reptiles and birds. The best time to visit Nagaland is during the annual extravaganza called the Hornbill Festival. Held in the first week of December, the most important character in this festival has to be its namesake, the Hornbill. This majestic bird is revered in Naga culture for its beauty and ability to stay alert. There are many aspects of tribal folklore that tell stories of this amazing bird and these are enacted during the festival. Hornbill feathers are also displayed proudly on traditional headwear made of boar’s teeth and orchid stems. The Hornbill Festival is also a great opportunity to discover this lesser explored region of the country and learn about its indigenous tribes. Bringing together all of the diverse tribes of Nagaland, this isn’t called the ‘Festival of Festivals’ for nothing.