Nagaland: CM Rio lauds stakeholders for successful Hornbill Festival 2025

Nagaland chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has conveyed his appreciation to the minister of Tourism, the department and all stakeholders for the successful conclusion of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival 2025, held from December 1 to 10, 2025.
In a letter to Tourism minister Temjen Imna Along, Dr. Rio described the event as the “Festival of Festivals,” noting that it has once again set new benchmarks in scale, excellence, and global engagement.
Rio expressed heartfelt appreciation to every department, institution, organisation, and individual whose contributions ensured the smooth conduct of the festival. He emphasised that the achievement belongs to the people of Nagaland, calling it a true “people’s festival” where citizens are the real stakeholders. The cultural troupes representing all Naga tribes, he said, remain the festival’s most treasured assets, showcasing living traditions that continue to attract friends and well-wishers from across the globe.
This year’s edition featured six Country Partners—Austria, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Malta—alongside Arunachal Pradesh as the Partner State. Their participation underscored the growing international stature of the Hornbill Festival as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
Dr. Rio acknowledged the unprecedented challenges faced during preparations, including prolonged monsoon rains and natural calamities. Despite these obstacles, organising teams displayed resilience and professionalism, ensuring the festival was delivered with dignity and distinction.
Highlighting the festival’s expanding global appeal, the Chief Minister noted the rising interest among international tourists and delegates. He reiterated concerns over the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime, which continues to restrict visitor flow despite Nagaland’s peaceful environment.
Dr. Rio also pointed to the expansion of the festival into six district extensions, which he said touched more lives, benefited a wider section of citizens, and broadened opportunities in tourism and creative industries. He cited Mon district, where the Konyak Heritage Centre has emerged as a vibrant, internationally recognised venue.
Acknowledging the role of Country Partners and the Partner State, he praised initiatives such as International Roundtables, Networking Summits, and Investment & Business Meets organised by the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN), which introduced new dimensions to the festival and paved the way for future collaborations.
He further commended the Hornbill Music Festival, crediting the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) for nurturing artists who now serve as cultural ambassadors. Equally notable were the displays of textiles, handicrafts, ethnic cuisine, traditional sports, village experiences, night bazaars, carnivals, and entertainment programmes—elements that make the Hornbill Festival unique and immensely attractive to the world.