The 26th Hornbill Festival of Nagaland began on December 1, 2025, at the Kisama Heritage Village and will continue for ten days. Celebrated annually to mark Nagaland’s Statehood Day, the festival showcases the unity and cultural richness of the state’s 17 major tribes.
This edition was inaugurated by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hosting the event. A key highlight is the newly renamed Unity Arena, which hosted the opening ceremony.
The 2025 festival features participation from six partner countries—the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Switzerland, Malta, and Ireland—and Arunachal Pradesh as the partner state, emphasizing international cultural exchange and regional cooperation. To encourage global tourism, the Government of India relaxed the Protected Area Permit (PAP) requirements.
Throughout the celebration, visitors can experience traditional dances, folk music, indigenous sports, arts, handloom exhibitions, tribal cuisine, carnivals, concerts, and food and adventure events across Nagaland. The festival has grown into a significant platform for tourism, cultural diplomacy, and economic opportunities, strengthening tribal identity while connecting Nagaland to the world.
