The Nagaland government is mobilizing support from the state’s 18 tribal organizations to ensure the successful celebration of the Hornbill Festival’s silver jubilee, set to take place from December 1 to 10 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. This call to action was made during a consultative meeting hosted by the tourism department on Wednesday.
Tourism Secretary G Hukugha Sema underscored the necessity of collaboration among the state government, tribal bodies, and various stakeholders, attributing the festival’s previous successes to their collective efforts. He remarked, “This year’s festival will be a historic celebration, attracting people from all over the world,” and urged all parties to work diligently to enhance the visitor experience. Sema emphasized that tourists attending the festival would be treated as special guests, encouraging cooperation to ensure their comfort and enjoyment throughout the event. He also announced that a master plan for the revamping and renovation of Kisama is in progress, with a completion target of November 17.
Initially launched in 2000 as a three-day event in Kohima, the Hornbill Festival has evolved into a hallmark of tourism promotion for the state. The venue was relocated to the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama in the mid-2000s, which has facilitated the festival’s expansion. In a related development, the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) has urged the state government to advocate for their demand for a Frontier Nagaland Territory (FNT) to the central government, aiming to ensure their full participation in the festivities.
