Kohima, Nov 30 (LatestNewsX) – Nagaland is all set for the 26th run of the renowned “Hornbill Festival,” which kicks off on Monday. The festivities will be staged at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, roughly 12 km south of the state capital.
Running for ten days, from December 1 to 10, the event will coincide with Nagaland’s Statehood Day. This year, six Partner Countries – the UK, France, Austria, Switzerland, Malta and Ireland – will take part, and Arunachal Pradesh will join as the Partner State.
The festival takes its name from the hornbill, a bird that holds a special place in Naga folklore. It brings together all 17 major Nagaland tribes and their sub‑tribes, allowing them to showcase their cultural wealth through dances, music, costumes and customs.
With over 86 percent of Nagaland’s two‑million residents (according to the 2011 census) belonging to tribal groups, the annual gathering aims to safeguard and highlight the region’s traditions while giving visitors a deeper look at its rich cultural fabric.
Every year, people from across India and abroad travel to the festival to savor traditional food, view art exhibitions, enjoy performances and watch indigenous sports.
Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” the Hornbill stands as one of the largest cultural tourism celebrations in India and a key platform for promoting Nagaland as a lively travel hub.
In addition to cultural displays, the state will also shine a spotlight on business and investment prospects through industry round‑tables during the event.
A Tourism Department representative highlighted that the festival brings together communities and nations, offering a vivid display of crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonial events.
Traditional arts such as wood carving, painting and sculpture will also receive prominent attention. Major attractions will include the Naga Morungs exhibition, arts‑and‑craft sales, food and herbal medicine stalls, flower shows, cultural medleys, fashion shows, beauty pageants, traditional archery, Naga wrestling, indigenous games and musical concerts.
In response to requests from the Nagaland government, the Centre announced on Saturday that the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime would be relaxed for foreign visitors during the festival.
A senior official in Kohima confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has informed Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen that the Government of India has approved a temporary PAP relaxation for the ten‑day span.
The state government has been pushing for this temporary easing for the past year to enable greater international participation.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has met with central leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on multiple occasions and has written several letters to the Centre on the matter.
The PAP, which is governed by the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, controls the entry of foreign nationals into Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
