Nagaland prepares for the 26th Hornbill Festival with global participation, cultural showcases, indigenous sports and PAP relaxation for foreign tourists. The 10-day celebration highlights Naga traditions, economic opportunities and international partnerships, strengthening the state’s position as a major cultural tourism hub.
Nagaland is fully prepared to host the 26th edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival, beginning Monday, with elaborate arrangements underway at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 km south of the state capital Kohima. The 10-day celebration, scheduled from December 1 to 10, coincides with Nagaland’s Statehood Day, further elevating its cultural and historical significance.
This year’s festival promises a grander global footprint with the participation of six Partner Countries — the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Switzerland, Malta and Ireland. In addition, Arunachal Pradesh will join the event as the Partner State, marking a strengthened cultural collaboration within the Northeast region.
Named after the hornbill, a revered bird deeply woven into Naga folklore, the festival brings together all 17 major tribes of Nagaland and their sub-tribes. The event serves as a vibrant platform where communities showcase their traditional dances, attire, crafts, rituals and music, offering visitors a rich glimpse into the state’s diverse cultural identity. Over 86 per cent of Nagaland’s population, according to the 2011 census, belongs to tribal communities, making the festival a powerful reflection of its heritage-driven society.
Widely celebrated as the “Festival of Festivals”, the Hornbill Festival has evolved into one of India’s largest cultural tourism events. Every year, thousands of domestic and international tourists flock to Nagaland to experience its traditional cuisine, folk performances, indigenous sports, and an array of artistic expressions. The event not only preserves centuries-old traditions but also positions Nagaland as a dynamic travel destination in the global tourism map.
This year, the festival also aims to amplify economic opportunities. Alongside cultural showcases, the Nagaland government has planned industry roundtables and business discussions, focusing on investment prospects in the state. Officials believe that coupling cultural diplomacy with economic engagement will help propel Nagaland’s development narrative while strengthening its ties with global partners.
A senior Tourism Department official noted that the Hornbill Festival has become a symbol of unity and collaboration, bringing together people across borders and communities. He highlighted that the annual celebration features a vivid mix of crafts, sports competitions, food fairs, traditional games, and ceremonial events that collectively portray the soul of Naga life.
Traditional arts remain a central attraction at the festival. Wood carving, sculpting, weaving, painting and indigenous craft-making will be showcased through dedicated stalls and demonstrations. Major attractions include the Naga Morungs exhibition, large-scale arts and crafts bazaars, herbal medicine stalls, flower shows, cultural medleys, fashion shows, beauty pageants, traditional archery, Naga wrestling, indigenous games, and musical concerts featuring local and national artists.
In a significant development for international tourism, the Centre has approved a temporary relaxation of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime for foreign visitors during the 10-day celebration. The PAP, enforced under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, regulates the entry of foreign nationals into Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur. This relaxation is expected to boost foreign tourist turnout and enhance global engagement with the festival.
A senior official in Kohima confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conveyed the approval to Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen on Saturday. The state government had been urging the Centre for such a relaxation for the past year to ensure wider international participation.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio played a pivotal role in the initiative, having met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other central leaders multiple times to push for PAP relaxation. His repeated appeals highlighted the festival’s importance in showcasing Northeast India’s culture on a global stage and expanding tourism-based economic opportunities.
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As the countdown begins, excitement is palpable across the state. With an enriched roster of cultural, artistic and business programs, the 26th Hornbill Festival is poised to deliver an immersive experience celebrating heritage, unity and global friendship. The event further cements Nagaland’s identity as a land of vibrant traditions and unmatched cultural diversity.
