Kohima, Dec 10 (NationPress) The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival wrapped up with a spectacular display of traditional performances from cultural groups across all eight Northeastern states, particularly Nagaland, on Wednesday evening at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located close to Kohima.

The annual Hornbill Festival also took place in various districts throughout Nagaland. This year, to attract global attention, six countries — Austria, France, Ireland, Malta, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom — participated as partner nations in this 10-day event (December 1–10) held at the Naga Heritage Village, approximately 12 km south of Kohima.

Additionally, Arunachal Pradesh served as the state partner.

In keeping with tradition, the festival commenced on December 1, coinciding with Nagaland's 63rd Statehood Day.

During his address, Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang expressed why the Hornbill Festival is revered as the ‘Festival of Festivals’, highlighting it as a platform where the traditions, culture, and cuisines of the Naga people are proudly displayed and celebrated.

“This festival has provided our tribes, villages, craftsmen, entrepreneurs, and youth with a significant opportunity to showcase our remarkable diversity and talents to the world. More than just a celebration, it serves as a meeting ground where cultures converge, generations connect, and aspirations are realized,” he stated.

Zeliang remarked that the festival exemplifies the identity of the people, reflecting pride in their heritage, confidence in their identity, and hope for the future. “Let the spirit of unity extend beyond the confines of Kisama village and permeate our daily lives. Over the past 26 years of Hornbill Festival celebrations, Nagaland has welcomed esteemed dignitaries from India and across the globe,” he noted, adding that the festival has emerged as a robust cultural soft power for Nagaland, placing the state prominently on the world map.

“Misunderstandings about Nagaland and its people, often fueled by distance and misconceptions, are being dispelled as visitors experience our genuine hospitality, warmth, and rich cultural heritage. They leave with goodwill and cherished memories,” he emphasized.

He encouraged visitors to carry forward this spirit and urged them to invite more individuals to experience the beauty, diversity, and traditions of the Naga people.

Nagaland's Tourism and Higher Education Minister and festival host, Temjen Imna Along, in his closing remarks, expressed gratitude to visitors, friends, well-wishers, and tourists for joining the Hornbill Festival and experiencing the essence of the Naga people.

Along acknowledged the resilience of both cultural and contemporary performers in showcasing the rich traditions of the Nagas to the world, stating, “The Hornbill Festival has become the stage, and the world is its audience.”

He expressed appreciation to the country and state partners, hoping that the relationships developed during this festival will endure for a lifetime. He also thanked Arunachal Pradesh leadership for sending performers who actively participated throughout the festival.

“The camaraderie we built and the unique bonds formed at this festival will leave a lasting impression,” he remarked.

Deputy Ambassador to the Embassy of Ireland, India, Raymond Mullen, shared that their team was profoundly touched by the generosity, friendship, and warmth of the people of Nagaland. He expressed that being a partner country at this festival was both an honor and a source of pride for Ireland.

The Hornbill Festival transcends mere celebration; it is a declaration of identity, creativity, and cultural confidence. Ireland has learned much from Nagaland regarding resilience, identity, and the transformative power of cultural pride, the envoy noted.

He expressed eagerness to build friendships with Nagaland's youth, whose talent and ambition are evident, aiming for deeper collaboration in education, research, tourism, culture, sports, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and vital people-to-people exchanges.

Reuben Gauci, the High Commissioner of the Republic of Malta to India, remarked that Nagaland holds a special place in his heart, where he felt the warmth of its people. He noted similarities between the Naga and Maltese cultures, and brought a Maltese poem that conveyed love and admiration for Nagaland, thanking the Hornbill Festival organizers.

In adherence to the Hornbill Festival tradition, reigning Miss Nagaland 2025, Linoka K. Achumi, lit the bonfire, symbolizing the conclusion of the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival.