Best Local Shopping Spots at Hornbill Festival: Support Naga Artisans in 2025

by H&M Pvt Ltd November 27, 2025

The Hornbill Festival is a celebration of Nagaland’s vibrant culture, music, dance, and craftsmanship. For travelers and festival-goers, it’s also a treasure trove of authentic local products. From handwoven shawls and intricate beadwork to eco-friendly bags and wood carvings, every item tells the story of Naga heritage.

While exploring the festival, you’ll notice how local artisans pour their skills and traditions into each creation. Supporting them directly ensures their crafts survive and thrive, and Runway Nagaland plays a pivotal role in this cultural preservation.

This guide will take you through the best shopping spots at Hornbill Festival 2025 and show how Runway Nagaland contributes to promoting and sustaining Naga craft culture.

Why Supporting Local Artisans Matters

When you purchase directly from artisans, your money supports families, communities, and centuries-old techniques. Naga crafts are handmade, vibrant, and rooted in tribal traditions. Runway Nagaland works closely with these artisans, curating collections that honor traditional designs while giving them a modern, wearable twist.

Every shawl, necklace, or bag from these artisans carries a story. By supporting them, you’re helping sustain a cultural legacy that might otherwise be lost to mass production.

1. Kisama Heritage Village Handicraft Stalls

Kisama Heritage Village is the heart of the festival and the best place to start shopping. Rows of stalls feature:

Traditional Naga shawls with intricate tribal patterns
Beaded necklaces, earrings, and bracelets
Bamboo and cane home décor items
Handcrafted clothing and tribal hats

Most of these items are sold by the artisans themselves. Runway Nagaland often partners with these creators to showcase their work to a broader audience, ensuring their craft reaches people who truly appreciate it.

Pro Tip: Take the time to speak with the artisans. Ask about the stories behind their designs — every pattern, color, and motif has meaning.

2. Tribal Morungs and Bamboo Pavilion

Each tribe sets up a morung or tribal hut, where visitors can explore cultural displays and purchase handcrafted items. These huts are treasure troves of limited-edition crafts. Bamboo and cane products, handwoven mats, and eco-friendly accessories are some highlights.

Runway Nagaland collaborates with artisans from these communities, helping them design festival-ready collections while retaining authenticity. This partnership ensures high-quality pieces and fair compensation for the craftsmen.

3. Kohima Night Bazaar

The Kohima Night Bazaar is the perfect spot for evening shopping. Street vendors and small shops showcase trendy jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs. You can discover innovative products that merge traditional designs with modern fashion.

Runway Nagaland often features pop-up stalls at the festival or partners with artisans selling at the bazaar, giving them a platform to reach festival-goers and tourists alike.

4. Runway Nagaland: Bridging Tradition and Modernity

Runway Nagaland plays a key role in preserving Naga craftsmanship while making it accessible. Their curated Hornbill Festival 2025 collection features:

Beaded necklaces inspired by tribal patterns
Handwoven shawls and scarves
Banana fibre bags and sustainable accessories
Wooden jewelry and home décor

By working directly with artisans, Runway Nagaland ensures ethical sourcing, fair pay, and the continuation of traditional techniques. Shopping from their collection allows you to support local craft culture, even if you can’t visit the festival in person.

Shop Here: Explore Runway Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival collection online for authentic, handcrafted Naga products that celebrate heritage and style.

5. Nagaland Emporium and Local Markets in Kohima

If you have extra time, visit the Nagaland Emporium or nearby local markets. These spots stock handmade crafts from artisans across the state, including textiles, beadwork, and bamboo products.

Runway Nagaland often helps artisans from remote areas bring their products to these markets, bridging the gap between local talent and wider audiences.

Tips for Festival Shopping

Always buy directly from artisans when possible.
Focus on authentic, handcrafted items rather than mass-produced souvenirs.
Ask about the meaning of the designs — it adds depth to your purchase.
Carry cash, as many stalls may not accept cards.
Prioritize quality over quantity; a single handcrafted shawl or bag is more valuable than multiple inexpensive items.

Conclusion

Shopping at the Hornbill Festival is not just about souvenirs. It’s about supporting local culture, sustaining traditional crafts, and celebrating Nagaland’s rich heritage.

Runway Nagaland plays a vital role in this ecosystem. By curating, promoting, and selling authentic Naga products, they ensure that artisans are fairly compensated and their skills are recognized globally.

So when you shop at Hornbill Festival 2025, remember that every purchase matters. Explore the stalls, connect with the artisans, and consider browsing Runway Nagaland’s online collection to carry a piece of Naga culture home with you.

FAQs

1. What are the best items to buy at Hornbill Festival?
Handwoven shawls, beaded jewelry, bamboo or banana fibre bags, and wooden crafts are all popular and authentic options.

2. How does Runway Nagaland support artisans?
They collaborate directly with artisans, curate collections that preserve traditional designs, and ensure fair compensation while promoting the craft worldwide.

3. Can I shop Runway Nagaland online?
Yes. Their online store offers a curated Hornbill Festival collection of authentic Naga crafts and accessories.

4. Are festival prices fixed?
Most stalls offer fair prices. Polite bargaining is acceptable, but remember that each item is handcrafted.

5. How do I identify authentic Naga handicrafts?
Look for small variations in weaving or beadwork — these imperfections indicate handmade authenticity.