A new book documenting the evolution of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival since its inception in 2000 was officially released on Wednesday by Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Kisama.
Titled Journey of the Hornbill Festival: Through the Lens of Kohima Press Club, the publication captures the festival’s growth from a modest cultural gathering at Khouchiezie, Kohima Local Ground, to one of India’s most prominent cultural showcases.
Releasing the book, Chief Minister Rio said he was “pleased and honored” to launch the publication in the presence of Kohima Press Club members. Calling it an “important document,” he congratulated the contributors and said he looked forward to reading the work.
Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), Abu Metha, praised the book, saying he had personally reviewed it. “The press club has done a fantastic work,” he said.
Edited by journalists Alice Yhoshü and Vishü Rita Krocha, the book is the 113th publication under the PenThrill imprint and was supported by the Department of Tourism. Contributors include Kohima Press Club members Asonuo, Atono Tsükrü Kense, Chizokho Vero, Medolenuo Ambrocia, and Reyivolu Rhakho.
In their introduction, the editors write that the Hornbill Festival began in 2000 “marking the end of the 2nd millennium amidst a history of conflict,” and has since travelled “a pathbreaking journey over the last 25 years.” They note its beginnings at a time when obtaining entry permits such as the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Inner Line Permit (ILP) was challenging, and reflect on how “the Hornbill Festival has evolved marvelously over the years.”
The book also coincides with the Kohima Press Club’s forthcoming 25th anniversary in January 2026. The editors expressed hope that the work would serve as “an evocative document reflecting our state’s collective memory” and represent Nagaland’s “history, culture and identity.”
Priced at Rs 1,500, the book features interviews with key personalities associated with the conception of the Hornbill Festival, including former Chief Minister Dr SC Jamir under whose tenure the festival was envisioned. It also includes accounts from former Chief Secretaries Alemtemshi Jamir (IAS Retd.), Banuo Z Jamir (IAS Retd.), and LH Thangi Manen (IAS Retd), among several founding committee members.
The publication adds to the body of work chronicling one of Northeast India’s most influential cultural platforms, now marking its silver jubilee.
