Jotsoma Experience 2025: Where tradition meets adventure

DIMAPUR — The scenic Puliebadze ridge in Jotsoma village, just eight kilometres from Kohima city, came alive with colour and excitement as it welcomed visitors to the much-anticipated ‘Jotsoma Experience 2025.’

From dawn-lit mountain trails to the warmth of village hearths, the ten-day celebration invites travellers to pause, breathe in the cool forest air, and step into a world where culture, adventure, and tradition meet in perfect harmony, a DIPR feature stated.

Organised by the Jotsoma Nature Conservation and Eco Tourism (JNCET), in partnership with the Department of Tourism, and held as part of the Hornbill Festival 2025, the event is more than a festival — it is an immersive journey.

Visitors are encouraged to explore eco-tourism in its truest form, witness indigenous customs handed down through generations, and engage with community-led ways of life that reflect the enduring spirit of Jotsoma.

“Situated on the foothills of the legendary Puliebadze peak, the experience offers a refreshing blend of adventure, local cuisine, and cultural encounters. Whether trekking through pristine wilderness, savouring traditional flavours, or listening to stories rooted deeply in the hills, the ‘Jotsoma Experience 2025’ promises moments shaped by authenticity, beauty, and heartfelt hospitality,” it stated.

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A blend of adventure and culture

Visitors can look forward to an array of activities that highlight both the rugged charm of the landscape and the vibrant traditions of the local community. The festival features muzzle loader gun firing, rope swings, Sei Gari (traditional wood cart ride), off-road trekking, camping, and breathtaking viewpoints for sunrise and sunset. Cultural enthusiasts can explore a mini traditional museum displaying ancestral tools and attire, take photos in traditional costume booths, and watch live demonstrations of age-old practices such as rice pounding and weaving.

Local food stalls offer a taste of home grown cuisine, while unique competitions like snail eating and catapult slingshot contests promise excitement and entertainment.

First catapult slingshot competition

One of the biggest attractions this year is the inaugural catapult slingshot competition, scheduled for December 6 at Puliebadze Chahe Ki at 12 noon. Participants will compete for cash prizes of INR 20,000, INR 10,000, and INR 5,000, adding a spirited competitive edge to the festivities.

Traditional Naga buffet

Food lovers will have the chance to indulge in a traditional Naga buffet on December 6 and the 7th, from 3 pm to 7 pm at Puliebadze Chahe Ki, Jotsoma village. With tickets priced at INR 800 for two and INR 1500 for family entries, the buffet will feature carefully curated dishes prepared by local chefs and village households, offering visitors an intimate taste of Naga culinary heritage.

Community-led conservation and tourism

Beyond entertainment, the event showcases Jotsoma Village’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. JNCET has been actively involved in promoting eco-friendly practices, forest preservation, and livelihood opportunities through responsible tourism. Puliebadze’s lush biodiversity, combined with its panoramic views over Kohima, continues to attract nature lovers, trekkers, and cultural enthusiasts throughout the year.

A must-visit experience

As thousands of tourists arrive in Nagaland for the festive season and the Hornbill Festival, the Jotsoma Experience 2025 promises to be a memorable stopover — blending nature, culture, adventure, and community warmth. The organisers encourage visitors, families, and travellers to join in celebrating this unique community-driven initiative and discover the charm of Puliebadze and Jotsoma like never before.