As Nagaland’s iconic Hornbill Festival nears its grand finale, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Temjen Imna Along, has expressed immense pride in the overwhelming response the festival has garnered from both domestic and international tourists. Held annually at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, this year’s event marks the 25th edition of the festival, showcasing the state’s rich cultural vibrancy. The festival, which runs from December 1 to December 10, has attracted visitors from across India, with attendees coming from Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Delhi, and even Kashmir. Along with international tourists, the festival has brought together people eager to experience the diverse cultural performances that define Nagaland’s heritage.
Speaking to ANI, Minister Along highlighted the remarkable participation from local performers and art teams from across the state. “The response from tourists, both domestic and international, and our own local visitors has been overwhelming,” he stated, adding that the participation of cultural groups has been a highlight, with the local performances delighting tourists. “Their hard efforts are truly a pleasure for all the tourists that have come, and it’s been a pleasure to see them perform so well,” he said.
Along also lauded the TAFMA music festival, which has seen thousands of music lovers from around the world and across the country, celebrating the diverse sounds of Nagaland and beyond. He emphasized that the 25th edition of the festival has brought about a dynamic change in the way it is perceived, noting that it is not just a tourism event, but a platform for networking and promoting Brand Nagaland on the global stage.
