The Toyota Hornbill Music Festival 2025, billed as India’s biggest music festival, was officially launched on December 2, at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. The event was graced by Nagaland Tourism & Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along, along with senior officials from Toyota and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA).
The festival was formally inaugurated by Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd Tadashi Asazuma and Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Tsusho India Pvt. Ltd Taisukhe Aoyama through a ceremonial gong-beating.
Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of Okusa Toyota Nagaland Y. Vikheho Swu said the Hornbill Festival has grown into one of India’s most iconic cultural showcases, while the Toyota Hornbill Music Festival has become a premier platform for regional and international musical talent. “Its growth and stature have brought international bands onto our stage,” he noted.
Swu acknowledged TaFMA, led by chairman Theja Meru, for transforming Nagaland’s artistic ecosystem by creating platforms for musicians and nurturing a professional music industry in the state. He further thanked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, describing him as “the visionary architect of the Hornbill Festival,” and credited his leadership for elevating both traditional heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
He also expressed gratitude towards Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and the Department of Tourism under Minister Temjen Imna Along for consistently elevating the festival’s global appeal.
“At Toyota, we believe music is a powerful vehicle for connection and transformation,” Swu said, adding that the company’s partnership as the official partner of Hornbill Festival 2025 reflects its commitment to the cultural and creative advancement of Nagaland.
The programme also featured remarks from TaFMA chairman Theja Meru and Sudeep Santram Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd.
The launch concluded with performances by Rumac (Scotland), Drum Tao (Japan), Japan Junior Orchestra (Japan), and Agniva (France), marking a vibrant start to the festival’s 2025 edition.
December 3 line- up
Time: 5:00 PM (Unity Arena, Kisama)
*Novo (Assam)
*BoINN-Friends of the Mary Wallopers (Ireland)
*Mongdoll (South Korea)
*Trance Effect (Nagaland)
