Jesus, Hornbill, Christian & Religious Leaders: A Call for Reflection with Biblical Truths

The Hornbill Festival, often called the "Festival of Festivals," is a vibrant celebration of Nagaland's rich cultural heritage. It brings together inter-tribal unity and showcases the state’s traditions and diversity with activities such as Naga wrestling, traditional archery, food stalls, herbal medicines, fashion shows, and musical concerts. While this festival is celebrated worldwide, it has also faced criticism, especially from some churches and religious leaders in Nagaland.

Many argue that Hornbill fosters practices contrary to Christian beliefs, even labeling it as a place of evil and satanic influence. But does the festival itself create sin, or is the problem deeper, rooted in the human heart and misunderstanding of scripture? This article explores the conversation around Hornbill, the role of Jesus, and the perspectives of religious leaders and the believers.

Hornbill and Its Criticism

While the Hornbill Festival promotes culture and unity, its modernized activities have drawn criticism. Some churches believe the festival is a breeding ground for sinful practices, claiming it is a "worldly" event where Satan operates unchecked. These criticisms often focus on behaviors like drinking, debauchery, sexual immoral and other perceived excesses during the event.

However, the Bible tells a different story. Sin does not originate from a place or an event but  from the human heart. Jesus said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander” (Matthew 15:19). Hornbill, like any other gathering, may provide opportunities for temptation, but it is not the actual  source of sin. Romans 5:19 reminds us that we are sinners because of Adam's disobedience, not because we attend a festival. Similarly, Romans 3:23 say, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”, You see? The Bible tells everyone has  fall short of God’s Glory even before the Hornbill. The festival merely reflects the human condition—it doesn’t define it.

The Bible doesn't condemn cultural expressions but calls for a transformation of the heart through faith in Jesus Christ. A person attending the Hornbill Festival doesn’t become a sinner because of their presence there, just as abstaining from the festival doesn’t make one righteous.

The Finished work of Christ our primary message

The central message of Christianity is the finished work of Christ on the cross. Jesus bore  the sins of humanity so that we might become righteous through Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). The cross offers forgiveness, redemption, and new life, irrespective of where a person is or what they have done. Condemning Hornbill or labeling its participants as sinners does not align with Jesus' teaching. 

Jesus came to save, not condemn (John 3:16-17). He reached out to sinners with compassion, offering them a way out of their bondage. The question is: are we, as Christians, embodying this same compassion? Many churches in our society seem to prioritize moral works over the finished work of Christ. However, the Bible is clear:“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Salvation isn’t earned through cultural abstinence or moral achievements but through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice.

Yes!! Even though God offers us forgiveness and the sins of the world is already Forgiven, it doesn’t save everyone automatically, we have a choice to make. Hell was never meant for men, it was for the devil and his angels who were fallen, but men choose to go to hell by not choosing to accept Jesus and receive their forgiveness. And to be saved or receive Salvation, it was never, it is never and it will never be through our moral, religious works but by Grace of God through Faith in Christ Alone (Romans 10:9-10). Once we have the Life in Christ the sin will die itself and this is what many people do not know, even religious leaders. “The problem with our society is that we focus too much on the end result by neglecting Christ and his principles. Tell them about what Jesus did for them and the result will take care of itself.”

Religious Leaders: Pharisees or Shepherds?

In Jesus' time, the Pharisees and Sadducees were known for their rigid adherence to tradition and their judgmental attitudes. They were not a mere common people who goes to synagogues but were highly respected by people in the form of priest, teachers, leaders and so on Jesus rebuked them, saying, “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger” (Matthew 23:4).

Today, some religious leaders risk falling into the same trap. They condemn people, groups or events like Hornbill without offering solutions or guidance. Preaching against sin is necessary, but it must be accompanied by the message of hope, forgiveness, and transformation through Christ.

The Bible calls Christians to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). If Hornbill is a place where worldly influences thrive, it is all the more reason for believers to shine brightly with the teachings and principles of Jesus. Condemnation without action only drives people further away.

Preaching Christ at Hornbill

Recently in hornbill I saw some groups or a church of believers from Dimapur using the Hornbill Festival as an opportunity to share the gospel. These individuals worship, preach, and minister to attendees, bringing the message of Jesus to a space often criticized by some churches of our society. Unfortunately, some churches and leaders have labeled these efforts as unbiblical or anti-Christian. Yet, if we condemn the festival without engaging with the people attending it, are we not missing an opportunity to make an eternal impact?

Jesus commanded His followers to preach the forgiveness of sins (John 20:22-23). This mission requires love, wisdom, and the willingness to meet people where they are— whether in a church, a marketplace, or a festival like Hornbill.

If we condemn sin without offering a path to redemption, we fail in our mission as ambassadors of Christ. Jesus didn’t just call out sin; He offered Himself as the solution to it. Preaching repentance without extending grace and the message of salvation only drives people further away.

A Call for Believers and Religious Leaders

Hornbill is not the problem—it is a reflection of a fallen world. The enemy may use such events to distract or deceive, but the solution is not avoidance or condemnation. It is engagement. Christians are called to be salt and light, to bring the truth of Christ into every corner of society, including places like Hornbill. Criticism without compassion mirrors the attitude of the Pharisees, who missed the heart of God's message. Instead of focusing on moral works or outward appearances, believers must prioritize the finished work of Christ. Salvation, healing, and freedom come through the cross, not through human efforts or condemnation.

Hornbill Festival, like any other worldly event, is not the root of sin. The Bible teaches that Satan is always on the prowl, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Instead of isolating ourselves or condemning the festival, we should actively engage, preach, and demonstrate Christ’s love to those attending and in doing this as an obedient follower of Jesus Christ; I believe the harvest for thousand of souls are ripe and ready to put our sickle down for it. The world may compete with each other but the kingdom builders walk and talk together.

Conclusion

The Hornbill Festival is a cultural event that celebrates the diversity of Nagaland; it may also be a place of worldly influences. Instead of condemning it, Christians should see it as an opportunity to share the love of Christ by preaching Christ to them. The Hornbill Festival is not the enemy; it is a tool that can either serve worldly desires or become a platform for God’s glory. 

Instead of denouncing it, let us seize the opportunity to share the gospel. As Jesus said in John 20:22-23: “I send you to preach the forgiveness of sins—and people’s sins will be forgiven. But if you don’t proclaim the forgiveness of their sins, they will remain guilty.”

As Hosea 4:6 reminds us, “My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Let us seek wisdom from God’s Word, act with compassion, and preach the gospel with clarity and conviction. By doing so, we can turn hearts toward Jesus and fulfill our mission to make heaven full and hell empty.

The question is not whether Hornbill is good or bad. The question is: are we, as Christians, willing to bring Jesus into the conversation?