The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival drew to a colourful close on Wednesday at the Unity Plaza, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, with thousands of visitors witnessing a finale marked by cultural pride, camaraderie, and an outpouring of goodwill from partner states and countries.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Planning & Transformation, TR Zeliang, in his festival message, described the Hornbill Festival as a cherished “Festival of Festivals” where the traditions, cultures, and cuisines of the Naga people are celebrated in their fullest form. He said the festival has long served as a meaningful platform for tribes, villages, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and youth to present Nagaland’s cultural diversity to the world.
“More than a celebration, it has served as a meeting ground where cultures intersect, generations connect, and aspirations take shape,” Zeliang said, adding that the festival reflects a people “proud of our heritage, confident in our identity and hopeful for our future.” He urged that the spirit of unity fostered in Kisama extend into everyday life.
Reflecting on the festival’s growth over the past 26 years, he noted that it has become a powerful cultural soft power for Nagaland, helping dispel long-held misconceptions. “Visitors return home carrying goodwill and cherished memories,” he said, calling on guests to bring more people to experience Naga heritage.
Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, who hosted the festival’s closing programme, thanked visitors and tourists for experiencing the “vibes and warmth” of Naga hospitality. Lauding cultural and contemporary performers, he said, “Hornbill Festival has become the stage and the world has become its audience.”
Along expressed gratitude to the Country Partners, State Partner, and the government of Arunachal Pradesh for sending performers who actively participated throughout the festival. He reiterated that Hornbill brings all Naga tribes to a common platform where cultural expressions – from traditional dances to contemporary performances – manifest unity beyond divisions. “The comrades we had, the relationship we built, and the unique bonding we shared in this festival should leave a lasting impression,” he said.
Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Tourism, Education, Parliamentary Affairs & RWD, Pasang Dorjee Sona, who graced the closing ceremony as the special guest, congratulated the organisers and people of Nagaland for hosting a successful festival. He said the event offers the world “a window to see the Northeast, and especially Nagaland,” showcasing indigenous lifestyles and vibrant traditions at both national and international levels.
Sona highlighted the partnership agreement recently signed between Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, stating that collaborations in music, art, tourism, horticulture, and industries will “take both states to greater heights.”
Ireland’s Deputy Ambassador to India, Raymond Mullen, said his delegation had been “deeply moved and overwhelmed” by the friendship and warmth extended by the people of Nagaland. Describing Ireland’s role as partner country as an honour, he said Hornbill is more than a festival – “it is a declaration of identity, creativity, and cultural confidence.” He expressed Ireland’s interest in deeper collaborations in education, tourism, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and people-to-people exchange.
HE Reuben Gauci, High Commissioner of Malta to India, also shared his admiration for Nagaland, saying the state holds a special place in his heart. Highlighting similarities between the Naga and Maltese people, he recited a Maltese poem celebrating Nagaland and expressed hope that Malta’s participation in the festival continues in the years to come.
The evening saw a series of performances by the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), which captivated visitors with a high-energy showcase.
In keeping with Hornbill tradition, Miss Nagaland 2025, Linoka K Achumi, lit the bonfire, symbolically marking the close of the 26th edition of the festival.
Hornbill Festival 2025 draws over 2.14 lakh visitors
