Kohima: The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s grand celebration of indigenous cultures, has already captivated over 86,000 visitors in its first five days. The Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, has been the epicenter of this cultural extravaganza, hosting a diverse array of performances, competitions, and exhibitions.
According to Toka E Tuccumi, Joint Director of Tourism, the 10-day festival has attracted a significant number of both domestic and international tourists. As of December 5, the festival has welcomed 1,715 foreign visitors, 22,546 domestic tourists, and 62,379 locals.
The fifth day of the festival was marked by a vibrant display of traditional performances by the 18 recognized tribes of Nagaland. The Department of Art and Culture curated a captivating theme, “Cultural Connect,” which brought together diverse cultural expressions. Sikkim, a partner state for this edition, also showcased its rich cultural heritage.
One of the most thrilling events of the festival was the Naga tug-of-war competition, organized by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports. Participants from various tribes, clad in their traditional attire, engaged in a fierce battle of strength and agility. The Angami tribe emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s categories.
In addition to cultural performances and traditional sports, the Hornbill International Music Festival has been a major draw for music enthusiasts. The festival features a diverse lineup of international, national, and local bands and artists, who take the stage daily at 5 PM.
To further decentralize the festival and showcase the cultural diversity of Nagaland, events are also being held in four other districts: Dimapur, Phek, Wokha, and Zunheboto.
Read More: Mizoram Government Establishes State Human Rights Commission