Kohima, Dec 11: The 25th edition of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival came to a grand conclusion on Tuesday, after 10 days of vibrant celebrations showcasing the state’s cultural diversity. Held at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, located about 12 km from Kohima, the festival brought together visitors from across the globe to experience Naga folk music, traditional dances, and the rich art of various tribes.

Organized annually by the Nagaland government, the Hornbill Festival serves as a platform to highlight the diverse cultures and traditions of the state’s tribes. Tourism Minister Along, addressing the closing ceremony, emphasized the event’s significance in promoting unity and prosperity among the people of Nagaland.

“Under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the Hornbill Festival has evolved from a tribal celebration to an event that celebrates unity, spirituality, and collective progress,” Minister Along said.

He also highlighted the international collaborations featured at this year’s festival, with the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Peru participating as country partners, and Sikkim and Telangana as state partners. These partnerships, Minister Along noted, have strengthened global cultural ties.

The closing ceremony was marked by the lighting of a bonfire by Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy, New Delhi, Gloria Berdena, Miss Nagaland 2024 Anon Konyak A, and pageant runners-up Nikali K Shohe and Kelulu Dawhuo, officially concluding the silver jubilee edition of the Hornbill Festival.