Anand Mahindra sees global potential in this tribal festival, calls it "most iconic"

Industrialist Anand Mahindra, in a post on his X account, said the Hornbill Festival “has the potential to become one of the world’s most iconic cultural celebrations, attracting visitors from across the globe.” He added that the festival “truly deserves strong promotional support from the Tourism Ministry and from every one of us.” The 26th Hornbill Festival began on December 1 at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, coinciding with Nagaland’s 63rd Statehood Day.

According to the Nagaland Tourism Department, the festival recorded a footfall of 22,508 on its opening day, including 363 foreign tourists, 5,314 domestic visitors, and 16,831 locals. The 10-day festival is scheduled to run until December 10.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, hosting the festival, emphasized the significance of the Unity Plaza at Kisama as a central venue. He noted the participation of six partner countries – Austria, Malta, France, Ireland, the UK, and Switzerland – along with Arunachal Pradesh as the partner state.

Anand Mahindra's X (formerly twitter) post:


Hornbill festival National Anthem
ANI reports that the Hornbill Festival continues to attract large crowds and showcase Nagaland’s rich tribal traditions, music, dance, and crafts and the national anthem was performed during the festival which is getting a lot of attention in social media.

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Cultural Performances and Tribal Participation
The Department of Art & Culture organized a cultural show hosted by Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang and co-hosted by G Ikuto Zhimomi, Advisor for Land Resources. According to ANI News, 18 tribes performed, including Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Garo, Khiamniungan, Kachari, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeliang, and Phom. A prize distribution for the World War II Peace Rally was held at the Kohima Museum, honoring the sacrifices of Nagas during World War II.