The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival in 2025 concluded on December 10 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, drawing an impressive total of 214,493 visitors over ten days. The festival showcased a vibrant mix of culture, traditions, music, food, fashion, crafts, sports, art, and networking opportunities. Local attendees formed the largest group, with 155,535 participants, followed by domestic tourists at 56,431 and foreign visitors at 2,528. The final day alone registered 33,535 attendees, marking it as the festival’s peak day.
This year’s attendance reflects a 4.1% increase compared to last year’s count of 205,968, the highest since 2019, although it remains lower than the pre-pandemic figures of 282,000 in 2019 and 251,000 in 2018. Miss Nagaland 2025, Linoka K Achumi, lit the bonfire, symbolizing the festival’s grand conclusion at Unity Plaza.
Nagaland Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio expressed gratitude to partner countries, states, and sponsors for their contributions, stating, “As the Hornbill Festival 2025 concludes, I extend my sincere thanks to our partner countries and visitors for enriching the festival. We look forward to welcoming you again.”
Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang highlighted the festival’s significance as a platform for showcasing Naga diversity, stating that it emphasizes the pride in heritage and promotes cultural confidence. He described the event as a convergence of cultures where generations connect and aspirations flourish. Zeliang also advocated for extending the festival’s spirit of unity beyond Kisama into everyday life, asserting that Hornbill has positioned Nagaland as a significant ‘cultural soft power’ on the global stage.
Arunachal Pradesh Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona, speaking as a special guest, praised the festival for offering a window into the rich cultural tapestry of the North-East, particularly Nagaland. He referenced a partnership agreement between Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh aimed at elevating both states across various sectors, including tourism and the arts.
Raymond Mullen, Deputy Ambassador of the Embassy of Ireland in India, remarked that the Hornbill Festival transcends mere celebration; it is a declaration of identity and creative cultural confidence. He noted that Ireland deeply values its partnership in the festival and looks forward to strengthening ties with Naga youth, particularly in education and cultural exchanges.
Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, echoed these sentiments, expressing the cultural and hospitality similarities between the Naga and Maltese peoples. He shared a Maltese poem in honor of Nagaland, hoping it wouldn’t be Malta’s last participation in the festival.
In his closing address, Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along emphasized that the Hornbill Festival serves not only as a celebration but also as a platform for unity among tribal cultures. He acknowledged the performances of local artists for brilliantly showcasing Naga traditions and stressed the enduring relationships fostered through the event.
The festival’s closing ceremony featured powerful performances from the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), marking a fitting end to a celebration that has united diverse cultures and created lasting memories for both locals and visitors alike.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/hornbill-festival-2025-ends-vaunting-cultural-soft-power-envisioning-deeper-ties
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-12-10 23:59:00
