The two-day Autumn Festival, serving as a precursor to the 26th edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival, concluded on a vibrant note in New Delhi. Hosted by Nagaland Tourism and supported by the Ministry of Tourism. The chief host of the festival was Shri Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education and Shri Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, the Co-host.
The Chief Guest Shri Kapil Mishra, Hon’ble Minister for Art, Culture and Languages and Tourism, inaugurated the Artisans’ Corner, which showcased handmade crafts, authentic Naga attire, and local delicacies crafted by tribal artisans from Nagaland. The opening ceremony was also graced by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, along with ambassadors, diplomats, and senior officials.
Expressing gratitude, Shri Kapil Mishra conveyed his honour in participating in the festival and thanked Minister Temjen Imna Along for fostering a cultural connection between the Delhi Government and Nagaland through this initiative. He stated, “The relationship between Delhi and Nagaland is one of brotherhood. Many people from Nagaland reside in Delhi, and this bond, which has existed since before the Mahabharata, will continue to flourish with mutual respect and affection.”
He further announced plans to collaborate with the Delhi Tourism Department to launch a dedicated ‘Naga Culture Festival’ as an annual event in the capital, with preparations set to begin early next year. Shri Mishra also expressed his desire to attend the upcoming Hornbill Festival in Nagaland.
Shri Temjen Imna Along, Minister for Tourism and Higher Education, remarked that the festival serves as a curtain-raiser to the 26th Hornbill Festival, Nagaland’s biggest cultural celebration, to be held from December 1 to 10. He further announced that the process of obtaining Inner Line Permits (ILP) for tourists visiting Nagaland is being simplified. He concluded by adding that special helpline centres are being set up at Nagaland Houses in Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati to assist visitors.
The second day of the festival saw H.E. Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, as the Chief Guest. He commended the festival for confidently showcasing the unique Naga identity, noting that heritage is a living, evolving, and shared experience. Ambassador Kelly highlighted the importance of culture in shaping identity, emphasizing its role in Irish foreign policy as a tool of soft power. He remarked that Ireland’s relationship with India is progressive, with collaborations in trade, education, research, and culture, and expressed his excitement to visit Nagaland later this year for the Hornbill Festival.
In his address, Shri Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister and Chairman of IDAN, warmly invited the audience to experience the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, saying, “The Hornbill Festival celebrates not only the Naga way of life but also the diversity of this great nation. We invite you to come and celebrate the Hornbill Festival — to smell the smells of Nagaland, to see the colours of Nagaland, and to interact with the people of Nagaland. We are not a developed state, it’s not a luxurious destination, but the smiles you get from the Naga people will be genuine. Our handshakes will be firm and every door is open to welcome you. When you come to Nagaland, we will win your hearts and ensure that you remain lifelong friends of ours.”
Across both days, the festival featured vibrant cultural performances, including a war dance by the Sumi Students, Delhi, musical acts, and textile and jewellery showcases by artists and brands from Nagaland. The audience was captivated by performances from Colored Keys, The Mahila Band, The Eastory Project, Tiatemsu Jamir, and Kiki Longkumer, along with presentations by KINTEM (textiles) and Wangcha Jewellery.
