The 25th edition of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival commenced at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama on Sunday, drawing an impressive crowd of 23,910 visitors, including dignitaries, diplomats, and tourists from across the world.
The festival's opening day attracted 513 foreign tourists, 5,486 domestic visitors, and 17,911 local attendees, according to official data.
Named after the revered Hornbill bird, the festival honours the culture, heritage, food, and customs of the Naga tribes, offering a vibrant platform for the tribes to showcase their traditions.
Nagaland Minister of Tourism, Temjen Imna Along shared a video of the festival stating, "The Hornbill Festival is back, grander than ever, with a celebration like no other! This 25th edition is not just a festival; it's a vibrant jubilee of tradition, culture, and unity."
The event features performances of traditional dances, war cries, and stories that celebrate victories, harvests, love, and tribal legends.
Warriors, adorned in ceremonial attire including headgear made of hornbill feathers, boar tusks, and colourful woven sashes, mesmerise the crowds with their energetic displays.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan described the event as a testament to the state's cultural richness and unity.
"The festival is a platform where tradition and modernity converge, fostering mutual respect and understanding. It serves as a bridge across cultures and continents, offering visitors a chance to experience Nagaland's traditional dances, folk music, cuisine, and hospitality," he said.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed partner countries—the United States, Peru, Japan, and Wales—along with partner states, Telangana and Sikkim.
"The festival has transcended borders, uniting communities and nations," he said, crediting the event’s success to the resilience and unity of the Naga people.
He emphasised that the festival embodies the Naga way of life, preserving cultural legacies passed down through generations.
Japan's Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, noted the historical ties between Nagaland and Japan, particularly during World War II.
He also highlighted collaborations between the two regions and mentioned the ongoing contribution of over 100 youth from Nagaland and Northeast India to various sectors in Japan.
Ono also celebrated the success of the Nagaland Anime Junkie Festival, which attracted 10,000 participants in Kohima, and expressed optimism about continued cultural exchanges.
Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Dr. AR Rahman, who was a special guest at the event, praised Nagaland’s commitment to peace, music, and youth amid global turmoil.
Rahman also revealed that he had produced a documentary film featuring the state that was nominated for an international film festival.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along delivering a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of international delegates and participants in making the festival a global celebration of culture and unity.
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