The inaugural programme of the 4th edition of the Autumn Festival, a prelude to the 26th Hornbill Festival, Nagaland, began with great enthusiasm as guests and visitors thronged the lawns of Nagaland House, New Delhi, to celebrate and experience the state’s vibrant culture.
The festival is organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. It is being held on October 24 and 25, 2025, at Nagaland House, 29 Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi.
Kapil Mishra, Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture, Government of NCT of Delhi, was the chief guest for the inaugural programme, while Chavanart Thangsumphant, Ambassador of Thailand to India, attended as the honoured guest. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, also graced the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Kapil Mishra said that the relationship between Delhi and Nagaland is like that of brothers and expressed his desire to organise an annual festival celebrating Naga culture in collaboration with Delhi Tourism in the future.
Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, who was the chief host, invited everyone to visit Nagaland and experience the unique culture of the Naga people.
Earlier, during a press interaction, Minister Temjen Imna Along encouraged the media to experience the rich culture and heritage of the state during the Hornbill Festival, noting that it is not just a tribal event but a truly unique celebration. He also added that obtaining an Inner Line Permit is no longer an obstacle, as it can now be easily accessed online.
Abu Metha, Adviser to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, who was the co-host, and Arenla Jamir, Commissioner and Secretary, Tourism Department, also addressed the gathering.
Naga artists including Tiatemsu & Kiki, Colored Keys, The Eastory Project, and The Mahila Band from India’s Got Talent fame enthralled the audience with their performances.
Now in its 4th edition, the Autumn Festival has consistently received enthusiastic responses from visitors and continues to generate growing interest among those who have heard of but never experienced the Hornbill Festival and Nagaland firsthand.
