With four partner nations and two partner states backing Nagaland’s signature ethnocultural festival, the Nagaland tourism department sees at least 3 lakh to 4 lakh visitors to Hornbill Festival this year. The festival kicked off earlier on Sunday, December 1 and will go on for ten days.
This year, Hornbill Festival has bagged four partner countries—Japan, the United States, Wales, and Peru. “We also have two partner states, Telangana and Sikkim,” said Veyielo Duolo, the director of the Department of Tourism in Nagaland.
Artistes rehearsing ahead of Hornbill Festival 2024 | X
Keiichi Ono, Japanese Ambassador to India and Bhutan, arrived at Dimapur ahead of the festival. The Ambassador even tried his hand at playing the Tati, a traditional musical instrument used by the Angami tribe of Nagaland.
Today I started playing the Tati, a traditional musical instrument used by the Angami Nagas.🎶😄 pic.twitter.com/2RkeYYQKKR
— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) December 1, 2024
Many “renowned international music bands” and those from within the country are expected to perform at the festival, added the tourism director. “Of course, we are not forgetting the bands we are promoting—our own local music bands,” added Duolo.
Tourism director Duolo told state broadcaster DD Nagaland that they expect the visitors to double or triple from the last edition. Last year, the Hornbill Festival saw more than 1.54 lakh visitors.
CM Neiphiu Rio stresses on unity, inclusivity, and youth empowerment
Earlier today, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio addressed the 62nd Statehood Day, taking a leaf out of former Indian President S Radhakrishnan’s speech on “understanding and friendship” to battle hatred and violence. Rio said how “profoundly relevant” the former President’s words were in the current day and age.
The Nagaland CM also implored the state’s citizens to unite. “On this Statehood Day, I appeal to every citizen to work together to bring smiles and happiness into our lives,” Rio added.
Rio also said that he was working towards resolving the ongoing friction with the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO). The ENPO alleged that they were neglected by the government and demanded a “Frontier Nagaland Territory”.
Sixty-two years ago, when Nagaland attained statehood, it comprised just three districts—Kohima, Mokokchung, and Tuensang. In contrast, the state recently celebrated the formation of its 17th district, Meluri, on November 2.
Out of the districts, Kohima houses the Naga Heritage Village at Kisama—the site of the Hornbill Festival. Nagaland’s headliner event is in its 25th edition this year and features arts, culture, and events from at least 18 tribes in the state.
