Kohima, Dec 10: Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival has achieved a new milestone this year, attracting a record 1.73 lakh visitors to the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama. This surpasses last year’s attendance of 1.54 lakh, marking a notable increase.

The 10-day festival, which commenced on December 1, showcases the state’s cultural diversity with performances from all 18 Naga tribes, traditional sports, local cuisine, and the Hornbill International Music Festival. The event has seen a diverse audience, including 48,103 domestic tourists, 1,23,409 locals, and 2,375 international visitors from countries like the UK, Wales, Peru, the USA, and Japan.

Governor La Ganesan and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the festival, which has been well-received by attendees for its cultural richness and local hospitality. However, some visitors suggested improvements regarding the obstructed views caused by newly built high structures around the pavilions.

The festival, under the theme “Cultural Connect,” will conclude on Tuesday night, with a final day of cultural performances and a closing ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m.