‘Naga Oneness’ takes center stage at Hornbill Festival

Morung Express News
Kohima | December 1

The Naga Heritage Village at Kisama came alive this evening as Governor of Nagaland & Manipur, Ajay Bhalla, joined by Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, formally inaugurated the 26th edition of Hornbill Festival 2025 on December 1.

With hundreds of tourists arriving from across India and abroad, the festival ground was filled with colour, music and dances as the state kicked off its most celebrated annual event.

Extending warm greetings to the visitors, Chief Angh of the Festival, Governor Bhalla described the Hornbill Festival also called as the “Festival of Festivals” as a testament to the cultural heritage, unity and identity of the Naga people.

“It reflects our collective resilience and our commitment to preserving the legacy handed down by our ancestors,” stated Bhalla noting that Nagaland’s rich cultural diversity, dances, folk music, indigenous games, crafts and cuisine finds its fullest expression in this festival.

He reminded that it is responsibility of every individual to safeguard the rich heritage for future generations.

Highlighting the festival’s expanding role as a platform for tourism, Bhalla noted that it has empowered youth and artisans, strengthened creative industries, and placed Nagaland prominently on both national and global cultural maps.

With tourism numbers rising each year, he urged both organisers and visitors to uphold sustainable practices. “Nagaland’s ecological sensitivity demands responsible tourism,” he said, calling for environmentally conscious initiatives and respect for local cultures.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, addressing the gathering echoed the sentiments of unity and celebration. He described the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama as a “symbol of Naga Oneness and a shared hope for a peaceful and prosperous future.”

This year’s edition is marked by the participation of six Country Partner viz. Austria, Malta, France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, Rio warmly welcomed each delegation and expressed hope that their presence would deepen cultural ties and strengthen long-term partnerships. He also extended a special welcome to Arunachal Pradesh, the Partner State for Hornbill Festival 2025.

Rio noted that the Hornbill Festival is not merely about celebration but “an expression of the Naga way of life—our unity and oneness, our rich legacy and living traditions, our respect for our ancestors, and our hope for the future.”

Chief Minister maintained that over the years, the Hornbill Festival has become a unique global platform, a space where collaborations are built, partnerships are forged and friendships are made in an atmosphere of cultural celebration.

Informing that this year celebrations has  been extended to six districts, Rio said, a major highlight will take place in Mon district, the historic land of the Anghs. He encouraged tourists to explore beyond Kohima and Kisama.

In an honest reflection, Rio acknowledged the state’s ongoing challenges in infrastructure and connectivity. “We are not yet a perfect destination. We continue to face challenges but our smiles are genuine, and our citizens are making every possible effort to make your stay comfortable,” Rio stated.

While apologising for any inconvenience, Rio has appealed to tourists to share constructive feedback to help improve the festival in the future.

Rio urged visitors to “be ambassadors of Nagaland, and carry the spirit of the land with them, and return with friends and loved ones in the future.

With the official inauguration, the Hornbill Festival 2025 begins celebrating culture, unity, and the warm hospitality that has earned Nagaland its reputation as the “Land of Festivals.”