In the enigmatic northeast corner of India, lies the state of Nagaland –  a land of stunning natural beauty with mist-shrouded hills, carpeted by lush green forests, and where once, feared headhunting tribes roamed.

The state is home to 17 major tribes, each with their own distinct set of customs and traditions, festivals, cuisine, attire, even their own language. While traditions like headhunting are no longer practised, ceremonial dances continue to remain an integral part of the lives of Naga tribespeople.

The Naga tribes also share several traditions with other tribal cultures of South East Asia and the Pacific; like the hand-tapped face and body tattoos, the architecture of their houses, the slash and burn farming technique, the young men’s dormitory, the log drum, etc.

The 17 major tribes gather every year at the Hornbill Festival, held from December 1st to 10th at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, on the outskirts of the state capital Kohima.

Several of the pictures shared here were taken at the 2017 Hornbill Festival.