President Droupadi Murmu to inaugurate Hornbill Festival on December 1

KOHIMA — President of India Droupadi Murmu will be the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the Hornbill Festival 2026 on December 1.

This was confirmed by Minister of Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along on Saturday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Along said the President had “consented” to attend the opening ceremony as chief guest on the first day of the festival.

On the proposed public-private partnership (PPP) model for the festival, Along said the process was still at an initial stage, with paperwork underway.

He said the government, the department concerned and the High Powered Committee led by the chief minister would hold proper consultations before implementing the model. He urged people not to engage in presumptions and assumptions until then.

Along said preparations for the festival were underway in coordination with line departments and assured that all stakeholders would be taken into consideration through proper consultations.

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