Kisama, December 1: The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s premier cultural celebration, officially commenced on Monday at the Kisama Heritage Village with a grand inaugural ceremony attended by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, senior government officials, diplomats, international delegates and thousands of visitors from India and abroad.
Widely known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill Festival showcases the rich cultural heritage, traditions and indigenous identity of the Naga people. This year’s celebration began with traditional invocations led by church dignitary James Thoppil and blessings offered by octogenarian elder Tomwang of Longwa village, symbolizing the harmonious blend of faith, culture and ancestral traditions that define Naga society.
A major highlight of the opening day was the debut of the newly inaugurated Unity Plaza, the festival’s main arena. The venue came alive with vibrant cultural performances, traditional dances, folk songs, indigenous games, handicraft exhibitions and local cuisine, creating a festive atmosphere that captivated visitors from across the world.
According to festival organizers, the opening day recorded an impressive attendance of 22,508 visitors, including 363 foreign tourists, signaling a strong start to the ten-day event. The large turnout reflects the growing popularity of the festival as a major cultural tourism destination in Northeast India.
This year’s edition has attracted participation from six international partner countries—France, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Malta and Ireland—while Arunachal Pradesh has joined as the guest partner state. The presence of foreign delegations and ambassadors added an international dimension to the celebrations, with many expressing admiration for Naga culture and exploring opportunities for collaboration in tourism, education and cultural exchange.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described the festival as a “living expression of Naga identity, unity and ancestral pride.” He said the newly developed Unity Plaza represents the collective aspirations of the people for peace, progress and prosperity. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla echoed similar sentiments, calling the festival a powerful platform for preserving and promoting Naga heritage, art and traditions. He also urged organizers and visitors to embrace sustainable tourism practices to protect Nagaland’s fragile ecological environment.
Beyond Kisama, cultural events and activities are scheduled across several districts, including Mon, Dimapur, Wokha, Peren, Phek and Zunheboto, extending the festival’s reach and benefits to communities throughout the state.
Officials noted that the festival continues to play a crucial role in boosting the local economy by generating income for artisans, performers, transport operators, homestay owners, food vendors and small businesses. The temporary relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirement for foreign tourists during the festival period is also expected to encourage greater international participation.
As Hornbill Festival 2025 continues through December 10, authorities and local communities hope the event will further strengthen cultural preservation, promote global cultural exchange, stimulate economic growth and showcase Nagaland’s unique traditions, hospitality and creative spirit to the world.
