Silver edition of Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival 2024 kicks off

Padma Bhushan, Grammy, and Oscar-winning composer Dr. A. R. Rahman addressed the inaugural function of Nagaland’s 25th Hornbill Festival 2024.

The much-awaited 25th edition of the 10-day Hornbill Music Festival vibrantly commenced at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama on 1st December 2024, promising to captivate tourists from both India and abroad with its vibrant display of Naga culture and traditions.

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Nagaland Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along inaugurated the festival and is celebrating its silver jubilee year this time.

Thousands from across the globe descend on Kisama for the festival of festivals.

During the inauguration ceremony, Nagaland CM Rio emphasised the festival’s global significance, welcoming international partners including the United States, Peru, Japan, and Wales, alongside Indian partner states Telangana and Sikkim.

Rio extended a warm invitation to guests, urging them to immerse themselves in Nagaland’s vibrant culture.

While, addressing the diverse gathering, Nagaland Governor La Ganesan extended a heartfelt welcome to each one of you on this momentous occasion—the Silver Jubilee edition of the Hornbill Festival.

“Today, we gather here at Kisama, not just as witnesses but as participants in this vibrant festival that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland and its diverse tribes. This festival, lovingly dubbed the “Festival of Festivals,” is a presentation of our tradition, a symbol of our unity and a testament to the diversity of mother India. As we complete 25 years of this festival, it is a moment to reflect on what we have achieved. It is also a moment to celebrate our unity in diversity and March to a harmonious future enriched by mutual respect and understanding”, he said.

Padma Bhushan, Grammy, and Oscar-winning composer Dr. A. R. Rahman addressed the inaugural function of Nagaland’s 25th Hornbill Festival 2024.

Ambassador of Japan, Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Peru, Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, British High commissioner, Lindy Cameron, Director of international relations and trade, government of Welsh, Andrew Gwatkin, Deputy chief of mission, US embassy, Jorgan Andrews and Honarary Consul of Bulgaria Dr. Y Kiran Kumar are among the international dignitaries were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Some of the key highlights of day one of the festival include Ledi Kro U, a cultural performance by troupes, a walk through the Kigwema village where tourists will be taken to important tourist spots and the history and stories about the village and its people will be explained, a fest known as Myki fest hosted entirely by the women folk of Nagaland.

Nagaland’s culture, tradition and heritage is on full display in the many stalls spread across the festival venue.

On December 2, a key highlight of the festival will be a performance by the native American jazz quartet band. There will be performances by Indian bands Parikrama, indus creed, Girish and the Chronicles, Japan’s Yosuke Irie, Drum Tao during the festival.

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