Kohima: The 25th edition of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival commenced with grandeur on Friday, drawing dignitaries and guests from around the world to the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan described the festival as a symbol of unity in diversity and a platform where tradition meets modernity.
Ganesan remarked that the Hornbill Festival serves as a bridge across cultures and continents. Reflecting on the festival’s milestone, he said it was an opportunity to acknowledge past achievements and envision a harmonious future enriched by mutual respect and understanding.
The Governor further highlighted the significance of cultural exchange, stating that the festival offered a unique opportunity for visitors to experience Nagaland’s traditional dances, folk music, cuisine, and hospitality. He emphasised that meaningful dialogues alongside the celebrations would continue to inspire unity and brotherhood.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio welcomed this year’s Partner Countries—the United States, Peru, Japan, and Wales from the United Kingdom—as well as Partner States, Telangana and Sikkim. He asserted that the Hornbill Festival embodies the spirit of the Naga way of life, showcasing the cultural heritage passed down by their forefathers.
Rio highlighted the festival’s role in uniting tribes and communities under a shared spirit of oneness, saying it had transcended borders to bring together nations from four continents. He attributed the success of the globally recognised event to the resilience and unity of the Naga people, emphasising that every citizen was a stakeholder in its journey. He invited tourists to immerse themselves in Naga culture and to return as ambassadors of the state.
Keiichi Ono, Japan’s Ambassador to India, highlighted the deep historical connection between Nagaland and Japan, dating back to World War II. He acknowledged the growing collaboration between the two regions, noting that over 100 youth from Nagaland and the Northeast are currently contributing to various sectors in Japan.
Ono also mentioned the annual Nagaland Anime Junkie Festival in Kohima, which recently attracted 10,000 participants, and expressed hope for continued cultural exchanges that would strengthen ties between the younger generations of both regions.
Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru, spoke about the growing collaboration between Nagaland and the world. He emphasised that shared values connect people across continents and highlighted the potential for cooperation in tourism and education.
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron acknowledged the historical significance of the Battle of Kohima, which holds a special place in the UK’s collective memory. She expressed optimism about strengthening partnerships with Nagaland in sectors such as business, education, healthcare, and horticulture.
Alison Barrett, Country Director of the British Council, mentioned the celebration of Welsh culture at the festival, while Andrew Gwatkin from the Welsh Government said he felt a sense of warmth and friendship in Nagaland. Gwatkin added that the festival provided one of India’s most prestigious platforms to showcase Welsh talents.
Grammy and Oscar-winning musician Dr. AR Rahman, who attended the event as a special guest, shared his admiration for Nagaland, saying he had fallen in love with Nagaland. Rahman remarked that while the world is grappling with chaos, Nagaland is celebrating peace, music, and youth. He also revealed that he had produced a documentary film featuring the state.
Dr. Y. Kiran Kumar, Consul of Bulgaria and chairman of the Suchirindia Group, expressed Bulgaria’s interest in becoming a partner country for future editions of the Hornbill Festival. He also proposed hosting a similar event in Telangana, emphasising the potential for collaboration between Nagaland and southern India.
Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along concluded the inaugural ceremony by thanking the international delegates, participants, and visitors.
According to official records, the footfall of tourists on Day-1 included 513 foreign tourists, 5,486 domestic visitors, and 17,911 local attendees.
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