Nagaland: 25th Hornbill Festival Breaks Attendance Records

KOHIMA: The 25th Hornbill Festival in Nagaland kicked off on Sunday at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, drawing a record-breaking 23,910 visitors. The opening day witnessed a large number of tourists, dignitaries, and diplomats from all around the world, marking a major milestone for the celebrated cultural event.

Among the attendees, there were 513 international visitors, 5,486 domestic tourists, and 17,911 locals. The festival featured traditional dances, folk music, local cuisine, and a warm showcase of indigenous hospitality and is known for its vibrant display of Naga culture.

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan praised the festival for promoting the state’s cultural diversity and fostering unity. He highlighted its role in blending tradition with modernity, offering a platform for cultural exchange and mutual respect.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio extended a warm welcome to partner countries like the United States, Peru, Japan, and Wales, as well as partner states Telangana and Sikkim. He highlighted the festival's importance in celebrating the Naga way of living and preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Japan’s Ambassador to India, Keiichi Ono, reflected on the deep historical connections between Nagaland and Japan, particularly during World War II, and commended the ongoing collaborations between the two regions. He also praised the recent success of the Nagaland Anime Junkie Festival, which attracted 10,000 participants.

Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Dr. AR Rahman, a special guest at the festival, lauded Nagaland for its dedication to peace, music, and youth amid global challenges. He also shared that he had made a documentary highlighting Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage.

The opening ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the international delegates and participants for their contributions in making the festival a global success.

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