The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival concluded on a high note, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship with its groundbreaking zero-waste strategy. The initiative successfully prevented approximately 1 million single-use plastic items from entering the waste stream.
The 10-day cultural event, which drew over 200,000 visitors, showcased Nagaland’s rich heritage while committing to sustainability. Single-use plastics were replaced with eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo straws and leaf-based plates, while water refilling stations discouraged plastic bottle usage. Waste segregation stations ensured effective sorting of recyclable materials, preventing an estimated 50 metric tons of CO₂ emissions through local sourcing and waste reduction.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who inaugurated the festival, praised the event as a model for sustainable cultural practices. “The Hornbill Festival demonstrates how cultural heritage and environmental conservation can go hand in hand,” he said.
