The fourth edition of the Autumn Festival organised by Nagaland Tourism concluded on a lively note in the national capital on Saturday. The two-day cultural event, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, served as a curtain-raiser to the upcoming 26th Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s flagship cultural celebration.
Temjen Imna Along, Nagaland’s Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, served as Chief Host, while Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, was the Co-host. Delhi Minister for Art, Culture, Languages and Tourism Kapil Mishra inaugurated the Artisans’ Corner, which featured traditional Naga crafts, attire and local delicacies prepared by tribal artisans.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, ambassadors, diplomats and senior officials also attended the opening ceremony. Addressing the gathering, Mishra expressed gratitude to Nagaland Tourism for strengthening cultural ties between Delhi and Nagaland. He described the relationship between the two as “one of brotherhood” and announced plans to collaborate with Delhi Tourism to launch an annual ‘Naga Culture Festival’ in the capital from next year. Mishra also expressed his intention to visit Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival in December.
Temjen Imna Along said the Autumn Festival acts as a prelude to the Hornbill Festival, which will take place from December 1 to 10. He added that the process of obtaining Inner Line Permits (ILP) for tourists is being simplified and that special helpline centres will be set up at Nagaland Houses in Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati to assist visitors.
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The second day of the event saw Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, as Chief Guest. Kelly praised the festival for showcasing Nagaland’s cultural confidence, calling heritage “a living, evolving and shared experience.” He noted that Ireland views culture as an important aspect of diplomacy and expressed interest in attending the Hornbill Festival later this year.
Addressing the audience, Abu Metha invited visitors to experience Nagaland firsthand. “The Hornbill Festival celebrates not only the Naga way of life but also the diversity of this great nation,” he said, describing Nagaland as a place that offers warmth, hospitality and genuine connections.
Over the two days, the festival featured traditional dances, musical performances, and exhibitions by Naga artists and designers. Highlights included performances by Colored Keys, The Mahila Band, The Eastory Project, Tiatemsu Jamir and Kiki Longkumer, along with showcases by KINTEM textiles and Wangcha Jewellery.
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