Nagaland is set to open the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival on December 1, with six partner countries and one partner state joining the ten-day cultural celebration. Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along said the state is “fully prepared” to host the event, which coincides with Nagaland Statehood Day.
First held in 2000, the Hornbill Festival has grown into Nagaland’s largest cultural showcase and a major tourism attraction, aimed at celebrating the heritage of all 18 Naga tribes. What began as a state-driven cultural platform has since evolved into an international event spread across multiple venues, drawing visitors from India and abroad.
The main festivities will be held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 km south of Kohima along NH-29. This year’s partner countries, France, Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Malta, and Austria, will participate alongside Arunachal Pradesh, the state partner. Delegations from these countries will join the Governor of Nagaland and the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh at the inaugural ceremony.
Along said the 2025 edition will place renewed emphasis on cultural exchange, traditional arts, and collaborations with international partners to further enhance Nagaland’s global profile. Festival extensions will run across the state, including Mon (December 8-10), Dimapur (Hornbill Carnival from December 6), Wokha (Doyang Festival), Zünheboto, and other districts.
He acknowledged that heavy rains and damaged roads had delayed certain preparations, but added that departments including Tourism, Power, PHED, Police, and district administrations worked round-the-clock to ensure the venues are ready.
Also read: Nagaland names UK as country partner for Hornbill Festival 2025
In a key facilitation measure, the state government has relaxed procedures for the Protected Area Permit (PAP), which remains mandatory for foreign tourists. On-arrival PAP counters have been set up at airports, allowing approvals to be issued within 15 minutes, subject to connectivity. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio wrote twice to the Union Home Minister in November to seek flexibility in PAP rules for the festival. The relaxation applies to all foreign visitors except those from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and China.
Along said Nagaland continues to benefit from international cooperation in areas such as education, culture, and research. He cited Japan’s ongoing involvement through JICA, including the newly inaugurated Kohima Eco Park and biodiversity initiatives.
On the festival’s economic impact, he said official assessments indicated revenue of around ₹189 crore last year from the largely unorganised sector, though the actual figure is likely higher given the earnings generated for homestays, transporters, local artists, and small businesses. Thousands of temporary jobs are created during the festival period alone.
The government eventually aims to keep the Hornbill venue open year-round to support sustainable tourism. The minister urged citizens and visitors to participate wholeheartedly and celebrate Nagaland’s unity, culture, and hospitality.
Director of Tourism Viyelo Duolo said entry tickets for all visitors to the Kisama venue have been fixed at ₹150 per person.
Follow us
