KOHIMA, Dec 1: Nagaland is set to inaugurate the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival on December 1 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, with six partner countries joining this year’s celebrations, Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along announced on Sunday. The opening will also mark Nagaland Statehood Day, adding significance to the 10-day cultural showcase that has become the state’s biggest tourism event.
First held in 2000, the Hornbill Festival has evolved into an international platform that brings together all 18 major Naga tribes. This year, France, Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Malta and Austria will participate as partner nations, while Arunachal Pradesh will join as the state partner. The Governor of Nagaland will officially open the festival in the presence of delegations from the partner countries and the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister.
The festival will feature an extensive array of cultural performances, crafts, folk traditions, indigenous cuisine and heritage displays. Beyond Kisama, festival extensions will be held across Nagaland, including the Hornbill Carnival in Dimapur from December 6, the Doyang Festival in Wokha, and additional events in Mon (December 8–10) and Zünheboto.
Despite heavy rains and road damage slowing down preparations, the tourism minister said all arrangements have been completed thanks to coordinated work by the tourism, power, PHED, police and district administration departments. To encourage foreign tourist arrivals, the state government has simplified the Protected Area Permit (PAP) process. While the permit remains mandatory, on-arrival counters at airports can now process approvals in about 15 minutes, except for visitors from restricted countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has also requested further relaxations from the Union Home Ministry.
Temjen Imna Along noted that Nagaland continues to benefit from global partnerships, especially with Japan through JICA, which recently supported the newly inaugurated Kohima Eco Park and biodiversity projects. He also highlighted the festival’s economic significance, pointing out that last year’s edition generated an estimated ₹189 crore, mostly from the unorganised sector. The actual figure, he said, is likely higher when considering earnings by homestays, transport providers, artisans and local businesses. Thousands of temporary jobs are created annually during the festival, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
The minister said the government aims to keep the Hornbill venue open throughout the year to boost sustainable tourism and urged citizens and visitors to participate wholeheartedly and showcase Nagaland’s unity and hospitality. Tourism Director Viyelo Duolo confirmed that entry tickets to the Kisama venue have been priced at ₹150 per person.
