The Nagaland government on Monday formalised a partnership with the British Council in India, naming the United Kingdom as the official country partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025. The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Alison Barrett, Director India, British Council, in the presence of British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron.
The collaboration aims to deepen cultural exchange and promote Nagaland’s tourism, education, and creative industries. As part of the partnership, the British Council will curate festival programming, including a performance by Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) on December 2.
Hornbill Festival, held annually since 2000 at Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, about 12 km from Kohima, is among India’s largest tribal festivals, attracting thousands of domestic and international tourists. Celebrated from December 1 to 10, it showcases the rich heritage of Nagaland’s tribes through traditional dances, music, crafts, and cuisine.
On the same day, the state government named Air India Express as the official travel partner for the festival. The airline unveiled a Boeing 737-8 featuring a Tsüngkotepsü-inspired livery, honouring Ao Naga heritage, and announced a 15% discount on flights to and from Dimapur for festival-bound travellers with bookings from November 20 to 30.
Also read: Hornbill Festival wraps up, attracting 1.73 lakh visitors
The aircraft will be formally received by Chief Minister Rio at Dimapur Airport on November 22. Air India Express will also facilitate artist travel and set up a dedicated Hornbill festival kiosk at the airport.
Officials said these initiatives are expected to improve accessibility, enhance visitor experience, and elevate the festival’s global profile. The UK partnership will further provide a platform to showcase international artists and cultural programmes alongside traditional Nagaland performances.
The Hornbill Festival has grown into a key event in India’s cultural calendar, highlighting the state’s tribal traditions and positioning Nagaland as a major tourist and cultural destination. With international collaborations and improved infrastructure, officials hope Hornbill 2025 will draw record footfall while strengthening Nagaland’s presence on the global cultural map.
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