Switzerland to join Hornbill Festival 2025 as Country Partner

DIMAPUR — Switzerland will be the Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, the Nagaland government announced on Tuesday following a meeting between Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the Ambassador of Switzerland to India and Bhutan, Maya Tissafi, in New Delhi.

The partnership marks a significant step in the festival’s growing international profile. The Hornbill Festival, often described as the Festival of Festivals, has become one of India’s most prominent cultural events, drawing participants and visitors from across the world.

Speaking at the announcement, Rio said it was an honour to welcome Switzerland as the Country Partner. He said Switzerland’s reputation for hospitality, innovation, and cultural richness aligns with Nagaland’s identity as the Land of Festivals. The collaboration, he added, reflects the state’s commitment to meaningful global engagement and is expected to open new avenues for dialogue, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Also read: Ireland named country partner for Hornbill Festival 2025

He expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen the festival’s international dimension and provide a platform to showcase shared values such as cultural diversity, community bonding, and sustainable tourism.

Ambassador Tissafi welcomed the opportunity, saying Switzerland looks forward to participating in one of India’s most recognisable cultural celebrations. She said the partnership would help deepen cultural ties and encourage future collaborations across multiple sectors. Switzerland, she added, hopes to share its traditions and creativity alongside the diverse cultural landscape of Nagaland.

The Nagaland government thanked the Embassy of Switzerland for its support, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a meaningful and successful participation at the Hornbill Festival 2025.