Hornbill Festival 2025

The 10-day Hornbill Festival 2025 commenced on 1st December at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, Nagaland.

Message of Unity: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, while inaugurating the 26th edition, said the festival reflects the Naga way of life and symbolizes unity, oneness, and respect for ancestral traditions.

Celebration of Tribal Culture:

• Over 86% of Nagaland’s two-million population (2011 Census) comprises tribal communities.
• The state is home to 17 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, each with unique cultural practices, attire, music and customs.

International Participation:

• Six partner countries for 2025: Austria, France, Ireland, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
• Aim: To reinforce cultural and regional cooperation.

State Partner: Arunachal Pradesh is the state partner for this year’s celebrations.

Symbolism of the Hornbill: The festival is named after the hornbill bird, revered globally and deeply embedded in the folklore of several Naga tribes.

Week-long Cultural Extravaganza: Visitors experience vibrant performances, traditional crafts, sports events, food fairs, indigenous games, and ceremonial showcases.