New Delhi: Delhi residents were treated to a vibrant display of Nagaland’s cultural heritage during the 4th edition of the Autumn Festival held at Nagaland House on Friday. The two-day event served as a cultural prelude to the state’s iconic 26th Hornbill Festival, scheduled to take place from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village.
Nagaland’s Minister for Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna and the Ambassador of Ireland to India Kevin Kelly were among the distinguished guests at the festival. The event featured traditional Naga folk music, dance performances, handicrafts, and indigenous cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into the state’s rich tribal traditions and artistic identity.
Speaking to reporters, Ambassador Kelly expressed his admiration for the performances and shared his anticipation of visiting Nagaland for the first time. “It really reminds me of Ireland — green, rainy, with mountains and sunshine,” he said, adding that the festival could pave the way for cultural collaborations between artists from Ireland and Nagaland.
Temjen Imna thanked the Government of India for supporting the initiative and appreciated the warm response from the capital’s residents. “Today’s festival was very successful. His Excellency Kevin Kelly was pleased with the arrangements. We hope this will lead to meaningful collaboration in art and culture,” he remarked.
Delhi’s Minister for Tourism, Art and Culture Kapil Mishra also attended the event, describing it as “a celebration of cultural diversity and national unity.” He stated that Delhi would continue to host programmes that highlight the cultural richness of northeastern states.
The Autumn Festival acted as a curtain-raiser to the Hornbill Festival, one of India’s most prominent cultural events, known for drawing thousands of domestic and international tourists every year.
