Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio praised stakeholders for the successful Hornbill Festival 2025, highlighting global participation, expanded venues, and exceptional teamwork.
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DIMAPUR — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for the successful conduct of the 26th edition of Hornbill Festival, which concluded on December 10, stated a DIPR update on Thursday.
In a letter to the Tourism minister, Rio congratulated the organising team and said that the festival had set “new benchmarks for excellence, scale and global engagement.”
He credited every department, organisation and citizen for contributing to what he described as an achievement belonging to the people of Nagaland.
This year’s Hornbill Festival featured six country partners—Austria, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Malta—with Arunachal Pradesh as partner state, reflecting the event’s growing international stature as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration.
Rio acknowledged the unprecedented challenges during preparations, including prolonged monsoon rains and natural calamities, which tested the state’s ability to meet deadlines.
Also read: Nagaland, Malta explore cultural and academic collaboration at Hornbill roundtable
Despite this, he said, the teams displayed “exceptional commitment, resilience and professionalism” in delivering a world-class event.
While highlighting the festival’s expanding global appeal, Rio reiterated concerns over the Protected Area Permit regime, which he said continues to restrict free tourist movement despite sustained peace and public sentiment against the regulation.
The chief minister highlighted the coordinated efforts of tribal hohos, church organisations, government departments, event managers and private entrepreneurs in ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2025 edition.
He maintained that the cultural troupes of all Naga tribes remain the festival’s “most precious assets.”
Rio also underlined the significance of expanding the festival to six districts this year, stating that it has broadened participation, enhanced local benefits and strengthened Nagaland’s tourism and creative sectors.
Mon district’s Konyak Heritage Centre, he stated, has emerged as a vibrant and internationally recognised venue.
He further credited the country partners and the Investment & Development Authority of Nagaland for adding value through international roundtables, networking summits and business meets, which he said will foster long-term partnerships.
Rio added that the Hornbill Music Festival continues to grow as a global platform, with TaFMA’s year-round efforts helping Naga musicians and performers gain international visibility.
The showcasing of textiles, handicrafts, ethnic cuisine, traditional sports, village experiences, night carnivals and entertainment activities collectively made the festival “unique, unparalleled and immensely attractive,” he stated.