New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (December 14) commended the vibrant spirit of Nagaland’s famed Hornbill Festival, describing it as a powerful reflection of India’s cultural richness and the enduring vitality of its tribal heritage.
Sharing the article by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the PM wrote on X: In this engaging article, Union Minister @JM_Scindia describes Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival as a kaleidoscope of the human spirit and a masterful convergence of the ancient and the contemporary. He reiterates that our country will rise only when the Northeast shines. Highlighting the Northeast as the face of a new, confident India, the Minister notes that Nagaland does not just celebrate – it embodies celebration, truly justifying why it is called the Land of Festivals.
The Prime Minister highlighted that North East today represents the face of a new, confident India. Applauding Nagaland’s unique cultural identity, Modi observed that the State does not merely host a festival; it embodies celebration itself, truly justifying its proud title as the Land of Festivals.
Earlier, the Union Minister shared his write-up and posted on his X handle, “Prime Minister @narendramodi ji’s vision has placed the Northeast at the forefront of India’s development journey, unlocking its economic and human potential. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland gives this transformation a cultural voice, showing that growth is strongest when anchored in identity.”
Named after the bird hornbill, the Hornbill Festival is organized by the Nagaland Tourism and Art & Culture Departments and held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, which is about 12 km from State Capital Kohima. It showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof and usually takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year. This year was no different.
All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions. The very popular Hornbill Music Festival is held alongside.
For visitors it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland. It must be included in your itinerary, if you are visiting Nagaland during that time to enjoy the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland.
KEY FEATURES OF THE FEST THIS YEAR
- Nagaland Government officially appointed Air India Express as the travel partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, to improve air connectivity and enhance the flagship cultural event. Air India Express announced a 15% discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur for bookings made between November 20 and 30.
- Chopper services for sight-seeing were launched ahead of the Festiva. On offer were aerial tours around Kohima, views of Dzükou Valley, short flights between Kohima and Kigwema, and an overhead glimpse of the festival grounds at Kisama. Tourists could also charter the helicopter for travel to destinations across Nagaland.
- Ireland And The United Kingdom were the country partners for the event.
