KOHIMA, Dec 10: The 25th edition of Nagaland’s iconic cultural event, the Hornbill Festival, has drawn over 1.73 lakh visitors, including 2,375 foreigners, surpassing last year’s total footfall of 1,54,057 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. Officials announced the figures on Monday as the festival approaches its grand finale.
The 10-day festival, which began on December 1, has showcased the vibrant traditions of Nagaland through performances by all 18 tribes, traditional games, sports, and the renowned Hornbill International Music Festival. Visitors from across the globe have been captivated by the state’s rich cultural heritage, exotic cuisines, and dynamic festivities.
This year’s total visitor count so far stands at 1,73,887, with the highest single-day attendance recorded on Sunday, December 8, at 26,274, and the lowest on the fourth day at 14,502. The attendees include 2,375 foreigners, 48,103 domestic tourists, and 1,23,409 local visitors.
Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the festival by beating the Naga gong, with representatives from partner countries such as the UK, Wales, Peru, the USA, and Japan, alongside state partners Telangana and Sikkim, in attendance.
The Department of Art and Culture organized the performances on the theme “Cultural Connect,” offering tourists a glimpse into the traditions and lifestyles of Nagaland’s tribes. The festival has also celebrated the hornbill bird, a symbol of the state’s folklore, through its name and events.
As the festival concludes on Tuesday night, cultural performances will continue throughout the day, culminating in a grand closing ceremony at 5 pm.
