New Delhi: The Nagaland government will take its cultural and musical outreach to the national capital with Ticket to Hornbill 2026, a two-day showcase scheduled for October 16 and 17 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi.
Organised by Tourism Nagaland and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), the event will serve as a prelude to the annual Hornbill Festival in December, bringing Nagaland’s cultural traditions, music and contemporary creative talent to audiences in Delhi.
The opening programme on October 16 will feature cultural performances, live music and artistic presentations from Nagaland. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Union ministers, ambassadors and other senior dignitaries are expected to attend, subject to final confirmation.
Entry to the opening programme will be free, with gates opening at 5 pm.
“Ticket to Hornbill gives audiences in Delhi a direct introduction to Nagaland’s cultural energy and offers a compelling reason to experience the Hornbill Festival in December,” Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along said.
He said the initiative would strengthen tourism interest, cultural exchange and public engagement with the communities and creative traditions of Nagaland.
The second day, October 17, will focus on Ticket to Hornbill – India’s Biggest Band Battle, bringing emerging bands from across the country to compete before a live audience.
The winning band will earn an opportunity to perform at the Hornbill Music Festival in Nagaland in December 2026.
Presented by Casio India, the competition carries a ₹20 lakh cash prize pool, while Furtados and Sennheiser are sponsoring individual instrument prizes worth ₹5 lakh, taking the overall prize value to ₹25 lakh.
The awards are aimed at recognising both collective performance and individual musicianship.
“Nagaland’s young people have earned recognition in music through ability, discipline and enterprise. Our responsibility is to connect that talent with wider markets, professional networks and viable careers,” Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman of the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, said.
He said Ticket to Hornbill demonstrates how targeted public initiatives can support creative ambition while opening up new economic opportunities.
Casio India Managing Director Takuto Kimura said the partnership was intended to support musicians beyond performance opportunities.
“Musicians also need opportunities to perform, connect with audiences and be discovered,” Kimura said, adding that the initiative would support musicians from learning and practice to live performance and recognition.
TaFMA Chairman Theja Meru said the competition was designed to address some of the challenges faced by independent musicians, particularly limited access to major venues, industry networks and financial support.
“Independent bands often have the ability but lack access to major venues, industry attention and meaningful financial support,” Meru said.
He said the competition would provide a national platform, substantial prizes and a direct route to the Hornbill Music Festival.
“We are looking for original musicianship, strong performance and artistic conviction,” he added.
The New Delhi edition is part of Nagaland’s broader effort to extend the reach of the Hornbill Festival beyond the state and build stronger connections between tourism, cultural promotion and India’s independent music ecosystem.
The band battle will begin at 5 pm on October 17. Tickets are priced at ₹200 and will be available through Ahibi.