The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival has registered an impressive 1,38,590 visitors in its first seven days, according to data released by the Nagaland Directorate of Tourism. Held annually at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama from 1 to 10 December, the event continues to stand out as one of the Northeast’s most prominent cultural attractions.
The festival began on a strong note, welcoming 22,508 visitors on the opening day. The steady flow of attendees continued throughout the week, with 18,010 visitors recorded on the second day. Footfall remained consistent, gradually rising to the week’s highest single-day count of 24,923 on 7 December.
Daily visitor numbers from 1 to 7 December reflected sustained public enthusiasm, with turnout figures of 15,324 on 3 December, 15,753 on 4 December, 19,286 on 5 December and 22,786 on 6 December.
Tourists from within the country formed a significant portion of the crowd, supported by a steady presence of foreign travellers and a large number of local attendees. Officials noted that 363 international tourists visited on the first day alone, while domestic visitors consistently exceeded 3,500 per day. Local residents continued to comprise the largest share of festival-goers.
Tourism authorities said the robust footfall highlights the growing appeal of Nagaland’s cultural heritage among both Indian and international audiences. With three days still to go, the cumulative turnout is expected to rise further.
Often referred to as the “Festival of Festivals,” Hornbill showcases indigenous music, crafts, cuisine and traditions of the Naga tribes, offering visitors a vibrant display of the state’s cultural identity. The Tourism Directorate has urged visitors to take full advantage of the remaining events and immerse themselves in the festival’s diverse offerings.
