Leaders highlight cultural pride, partnerships and global goodwill
Curtains came down on the Hornbill Festival 2025 at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama here Wednesday with leaders from Arunachal Pradesh, Malta and Ireland underscoring cultural pride, regional cooperation and expanding global partnerships during the closing ceremony.
Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang, delivering the closing message of the Hornbill Festival, said the ten day celebration had once again proved why it is cherished as the “Festival of Festivals.” He noted that the event provided tribes, villages, craftsmen, entrepreneurs and youth with a meaningful platform to showcase Nagaland’s traditions, culture and cuisine to visitors from across the country and abroad.
Zeliang described the festival as a meeting ground where cultures intersect and generations connect, reflecting the pride, identity and aspirations of the Naga people.
He said the colours of traditional attire and the rhythm of dances fostered unity and belonging, urging that this spirit extend beyond Kisama into daily life.
Reviewing 26 years of the festival’s journey, the Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the presence of national dignitaries and asserted that Hornbill has grown into a powerful cultural soft power, placing Nagaland prominently on the global map.
Zeliang noted that past misconceptions about Nagaland were fading as visitors embraced its hospitality and traditions, departing with goodwill and fond memories. He voiced hope they would return with more companions, urging Nagas to strengthen unity and collective resolve for a progressive, forward looking state.
Arunachal Pradesh Minister for Tourism, Education, Parliamentary Affairs and RWD, Pasang Dorjee Sona, informed that Arunchal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu could not attend the Hornbill Festival due to panchayat elections and conveyed his apology. Sona said the chief minister had sent “1000 terabytes of love” to Nagaland and wished “100 Mbps speed of growth” for the state. He informed that Arunachal and Nagaland signed a partnership agreement earlier in the day covering music, art, tourism, horticulture, industries and other sectors. Thanking Nagaland for selecting Arunachal as partner state, he conveyed appreciation on behalf of his people.
Malta’s High Commissioner to India, Reuben Gauci, said Nagaland would always hold a special place in his heart, noting the warmth of its people resembled that of Malta. He shared that a Maltese poet
presented poetry in Nagaland for the first time through the Hornbill Festival, enabling cultural exchange. Calling Nagaland a jewel, Gauci urged all to cherish it and expressed hope Malta’s participation would continue in future festivals.
Ireland’s Deputy Ambassador to India, Raymond Mullen, said his team was deeply moved by the generosity, friendship and warmth of the Naga people. Conveying “a hundred thousand thank yous” in Irish, he described Ireland’s role as partner country as both an honour and a source of pride. Mullen noted that the welcome had made the partnership meaningful, with Ireland learning from Nagaland’s resilience, identity and cultural pride. He expressed hope for deeper collaboration across education, tourism, culture, sports, entrepreneurship and agriculture, especially among youth.
Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, delivering the closing remarks on behalf of the chief minister and government, thanked visitors for attending the Hornbill Festival. He expressed gratitude to artists, performers, musicians, craftsmen and departments for their contributions, and acknowledged ambassadors, six partner countries and Arunachal Pradesh as state partner. Speaking briefly in Hindi, Along said 80,000 visitors from across India had joined the celebrations, thanking them on behalf of the state and its people.
The ceremony concluded with calls for continued unity, cultural preservation and stronger global and regional partnerships as the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival came to an end.