Nagaland is set to dazzle with the 25th edition of its iconic Hornbill Festival, beginning December 1. The 10-day cultural extravaganza at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, promises a vibrant celebration of tradition, culture, and global collaborations.
This year’s event will see participation from four country partners—Wales, the United States of America, Japan, and Peru—and two state partners, Sikkim and Telangana.
"The festival, which kicks off in just two days, will mark a significant milestone in Nagaland’s history," Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along stated at a press briefing.
Known as the ‘festival of festivals’, the event is a flagship initiative to preserve and promote the state’s cultural heritage while generating significant economic and tourism opportunities.
The festival’s inaugural ceremony on December 1 at 4 pm will host dignitaries from partner nations alongside Governor La Ganesan as the chief host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio as the host.
With a budget of ₹6.5 crore for this year’s edition, the government has invested over ₹100 crore in infrastructure upgrades, including increasing the main arena's seating capacity to 5,000 with prefabricated structures.
Minister Along highlighted the global dialogue fostered by the festival.
"These partners will participate in various events, including business roundtables, cultural exhibitions, and tourism promotions," he said.
Economic and cultural impact
Advisor to the Chief Minister Abu Metha shared the festival’s economic significance, stating it generates around ₹200 crore in economic activity. Local businesses, hoteliers, and ecotourism ventures benefit immensely.
“This festival is a testament to the collective efforts of the Naga people, offering a chance to showcase their culture and hospitality to the world,” Metha said.
Metha also announced the return of the Hornbill Parade, scheduled for December 7, merging with the Kohima Night Bazaar to create a carnival-like atmosphere.
Sustainability and inclusivity in focus
This year’s edition emphasises environmental sustainability, with efforts to make the festival a green event by reducing plastic waste and promoting eco-friendly practices.
While Nagaland is officially a dry state, Minister Along acknowledged that Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) would be sold exclusively at Kisama, adhering to the state’s prohibition laws.
Music, Security, and Accessibility
Evening celebrations will include a 10-day music festival featuring bands and artists from partnering countries and renowned Indian acts, organised by the Task Force for Music & Arts.
ADG (Police) R P Kikon assured robust security measures for the event.
“A full-proof two-tier security arrangement has been put in place for the entire 10-day celebration,” he said.
Tourist police will assist visitors, while uniformed personnel and arms will be restricted at the main venue.
To ease traffic congestion, the government has introduced 60 shuttle buses to ferry attendees, while restrictions on goods carriers in Kohima will be enforced between 7 am and 10 pm during the festival.
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