Kisama, December 1: The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival officially commenced on December 1, 2025, at the Kisama Heritage Village, with the inaugural ceremony presided over by Ajay Kumar Bhalla (Governor of Nagaland) and attended by Neiphiu Rio (Chief Minister of Nagaland), among other dignitaries.
The opening evening featured traditional Naga invocations led by church dignitary James Thoppil and blessings from octogenarian elder Tomwang from Longwa village, reflecting deep respect for ancestral traditions.
Thousands of tourists - both domestic and international - converged on Kisama’s newly inaugurated “Unity Plaza”, the festival’s main arena, bringing vibrant energy, music, dance, crafts, and cuisine to life across the festival grounds.
According to organisers, the opening day alone saw 22,508 visitors, including 363 foreign tourists, marking a strong start to the ten-day festival.
This year’s edition draws participation from six international partner countries - France, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Malta and Ireland - along with Arunachal Pradesh as the guest partner state.
CM Neiphiu Rio described the festival as a “living expression of Naga identity, unity, and ancestral pride,” noting that the Unity Plaza symbolises collective aspirations for peace and prosperity.
International delegates and ambassadors were present at the inauguration, expressing admiration for Naga culture and their willingness to engage in collaborative cultural, educational and tourism-related exchanges.
Governor Bhalla called the Hornbill Festival - widely known as the “Festival of Festivals” - a powerful showcase of Naga heritage, art, and identity. He urged both visitors and organisers to uphold sustainable tourism practices, given Nagaland’s ecological sensitivity. (Eastern Mirror)
This year’s festival also plans to expand cultural events beyond Kisama - with activities scheduled in multiple districts including Mon, Dimapur, Wokha, Peren, Phek, Zunheboto, among others.
Officials have reiterated that the Hornbill Festival continues to boost local livelihoods: artisans, performers, transporters, homestay owners and vendors benefit from increased tourism and expanded market opportunities, especially during the ten-day event.
With global participants, a refreshed venue including the Unity Plaza, and relaxed visitor regulations - including temporary easing of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for foreign visitors during the festival - Hornbill Festival 2025 stands poised to reinforce Nagaland’s reputation as a vibrant cultural tourism hub.
As the festival unfolds through December 10, authorities and communities alike hope that the celebration will strengthen cultural preservation, foster global cultural exchange, stimulate the local economy, and showcase to the world the rich tapestry of Naga traditions and hospitality.
