The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival saw a surge in footfall by 33.7 per cent over the last edition, suggesting the festival’s growing prominence as a major
cultural and tourism event in India.

The 10-day festival, which showcased Nagaland’s diverse cultures and traditions, concluded on Tuesday. It recorded an overall visitor turnout of 2,05,968 compared to last year’s 1,54,057 with Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio describing the festival’s success as “a triumph for the Naga people”.

“As the ‘Festival of Festivals’ celebrated its 25th edition, it further cemented its position as one of the most anticipated events of the year, attracting tourists from around the world and fostering a stronger appreciation for the region’s heritage,” an official statement said on Wednesday.

The number of foreign tourists increased from 2,108 in 2023 to 2,375 in 2024. “Domestic visitors also saw a sharp rise, from 37,089 last year to 56,217 this year. Additionally, local attendance grew from 1,14,860 to 1,47,224, reflecting the festival’s deepening connection with the local population and its appeal to a wider audience,” the statement said.

The first day of the festival recorded the highest number of foreign visitors, with 513 tourists, while Day 8 saw the largest number of domestic visitors at 9,342. On the other hand, Day 4 had the lowest turnout, with 14,502 visitors.

Nagaland chief minister Rio congratulated those involved in the successful completion of the “iconic festival”, as it has “elevated our state’s reputation on the global stage, showcasing the vibrant energy, creativity, and innovation of our youth to the international community, while enabling them to pursue their aspirations”.

Rio said: “Every citizen of Nagaland is a stakeholder in this unique and unparalleled festival, which showcases not only our cultural richness and soft power but also the unity of our people, and congratulates all concerned for their noble service.”

The policy of partner countries and states has added a multi-dimensional aspect to the festival, fostering collaborations, partnerships, and developmental possibilities, he said, adding the music festival has positioned Nagaland as an international music destination and provides “unparalleled platforms for our young talents within our state”.

“Most importantly, our collective goal of promoting, preserving, and celebrating our age-old traditions, rich cultural heritage, and the Naga way of life continues to be strengthened through this event,” the chief minister said.

Rio said that while celebrating the success of the festival, it was important to acknowledge the challenges they faced this year, particularly in light of the natural calamities and hardships of recent months.