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The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland's premier tourism promotion event, witnessed a vibrant line-up of activities astatine the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, connected Tuesday (December 2, 2025).
A taste amusement organised by the Department of Art&Culture was hosted by Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang and co-hosted by G. Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources, with Ambassador of France to India Thierry Mathou, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Justice Ashutosh Kumar, and respective dignitaries successful attendance.
Eighteen tribes of the authorities took centre stage, presenting a affluent tapestry of accepted dances and taste expressions. A item of the time was the Phom troupe's 'Yapo Louh-Po' (Headhunting Expedition – An Act), which depicted a headhunting raid followed by almighty chants and log drum beats, captivating the audience.
Other tribes that enthralled visitors included the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Garo, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, and Zeliang communities.
A prize organisation ceremonial for the World War II Peace Rally, commemorating the Battle of Kohima, was besides held astatine the World War II Museum.
Festival Chief Host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, successful his address, said the rally symbolises the connection that "peace should prevail implicit warfare" and reinforces the request to dispersed bid crossed nations. He reminded the gathering that the Battle of Kohima was fought betwixt overseas powers, but the Nagas endured the gravest impact.
"This rally honours and pays homage to the selfless sacrifices of our Naga radical and reaffirms our committedness to unrecorded successful peace," helium said.
Rio besides appreciated the Nagaland Flat Fenders Club and the Nagaland Adventure & Motor Sports Association for organising the lawsuit and contributing to the preservation of history.
Another large item of the time was the authoritative opening of the Hornbill International Photo Fest (HIPFEST) by Ambassador of Switzerland Maya Tissafi.
In her remarks, Ms. Tissafi said it was a peculiar infinitesimal for Switzerland to spouse successful the Hornbill Festival 2025 celebrations and expressed admiration for the affluent civilization and diverseness of the Naga people.
She emphasised the value of skilled professionals successful authorities development, noting that successful Switzerland astir 70 per cent of the colonisation pursues vocational training.
Skilled individuals, including photographers and artists, play a cardinal relation successful societal progress, she said, expressing anticipation that the concern with Nagaland would proceed to expand.
Commissioner & Secretary of Information and Public Relations and Co-operation Orenthung Lotha, successful his invited note, highlighted HIPFEST’s maturation and described it arsenic a "window to Nagaland", offering glimpses into the state's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant taste life. He said the festival has go a planetary level for emerging photographers to showcase their talent.
Co-organiser M. Ababe Ezung announced that the 2025 variation features 97 photographers from crossed Nagaland.
At the Amphitheatre, the accepted stilt bamboo contention was held nether the Department of Youth Resources & Sports, with participants from assorted tribes displaying equilibrium and agility. The tourer class of the contention volition instrumentality spot connected Wednesday (December 3).
The main curate besides released a publication titled "Journey of the Hornbill Festival: Through the Lens of Kohima Press Club".
Tracing the festival's improvement since its inception successful 2000, the CM described the work arsenic an important papers and congratulated members of the Kohima Press Club.
Edited by KPC President Alice Yhoshü and General Secretary Vishü Rita Krocha, the publication was published by PenThrill arsenic its 113th title, with enactment from the Department of Tourism.
Meanwhile, the archetypal time of the festival connected Monday (December 1, 2025) had recorded a footfall of 22,508 visitors, officials said.
According to the Tourism Department, the turnout included 363 overseas tourists, 5,314 home visitors, and 16,831 locals.
