Nagaland will showcase its music, fashion and cultural traditions in New Delhi through the Hornbill Cultural Showcase—Ticket to Hornbill 2026, scheduled to be held at Talkatora Stadium on November 6 from 5 pm.
Organised by the Government of Nagaland through Tourism Nagaland and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), the programme will feature cultural performances from the state alongside the grand finale of a nationwide band competition, offering Delhi audiences a glimpse of the Hornbill Festival ahead of its December celebration.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the Chief Host, while Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, will be the Co-Host.
Highlighting the event’s role in promoting tourism, Along said the showcase would introduce audiences in Delhi to Nagaland’s cultural traditions and contemporary creative works, while encouraging them to visit the state during the Hornbill Festival in December. He expressed hope that the initiative would generate tourism opportunities, personal connections and benefits for local communities.
The cultural programme will open with performances by Azi Rudy, Sentien Kichu and Vetho Rhakho. An ethnic fusion fashion show by the Nagaland Designers’ Association will showcase the state’s design talent, followed by a folk fusion cultural dance by The Ao Naga Fusion and a folk fusion song by Densu.
TaFMA chairman Theja Meru said the showcase would provide a platform to highlight the cultural knowledge and traditions passed down through generations, while giving younger practitioners an opportunity to contribute their creativity and connect with their communities.
The event will also feature the grand finale of Ticket to Hornbill—India’s Biggest Band Battle, bringing together emerging bands from across the country.
Presented by Casio India, the competition offers a cash prize pool of Rs. 20 lakh and individual musical instruments worth Rs. 5 lakh. The winning band will also earn an opportunity to perform at the Hornbill Music Festival in Nagaland in December 2026.
Meru said the competition would provide independent bands with exposure to new audiences, professional networking opportunities and financial support, helping promising musicians build sustainable careers through bookings and collaborations. The New Delhi showcase forms part of Nagaland’s outreach ahead of the Hornbill Festival, combining cultural promotion, tourism development and opportunities for emerging musical talent.
