Kohima, December 7, 2025 – The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland has already attracted 1,13,667 visitors during the first six days, according to a statement from the state government on Sunday.

The festival continues to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Nagaland’s 18 tribes, drawing both domestic and international tourists. While foreign visitors remained steady, domestic and local tourists formed the majority of the crowd. Of the total, 1,645 were foreigners, 28,637 domestic tourists, and 83,385 local visitors.

Saturday recorded the highest single-day turnout, with 22,786 visitors, including 205 foreigners, 5,792 domestic tourists, and 16,789 locals. Earlier days saw 22,508 visitors on the first day, followed by 18,010 on the second day, 15,324 on the third, 15,753 on the fourth, and 19,286 on the fifth day. Organisers expect the numbers to rise further as the 10-day festival continues.

Celebrations and Special Guests

On Sunday, the festival also marked Advent Christmas celebrations, coordinated by the Nagaland Legislators’ Christian Fellowship (NJCF) and the Nagaland Joint Christian Forum (NJCF). Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton served as the host, while Advisor and MLA Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome was co-host. Special guests included S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and IT, and Bhuvank Vaidya, Head of Music and Podcast India at Spotify.

Message of Unity

Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang used the occasion to call for renewed unity among the Naga people. He warned that divisions among various groups—both overground and underground—could hinder progress and destabilize the state. Drawing from the Christmas message, he highlighted the nativity story as an example of diverse people coming together in hope, urging that the spirit of togetherness extend across all spheres of society.

Rev. Moses Murry, NJCF secretary, extended warm Christmas greetings and expressed gratitude to God, the Chief Minister, and festival organisers for enabling the celebrations.