Kohima (Nagaland) [India], December 2 (HBTV): The Union government has relaxed the protected area regime for the Hornbill Festival, following several appeals from the Nagaland government over the past year.
The Hornbill Festival, celebrated annually from December 1 to 10, is a 10-day cultural event often referred to as the ‘Festival of Festivals’. Held at the Kisama Heritage Village, about 12 kilometres from Kohima, the festival showcases the traditions, music, dances and cuisine of Nagaland’s diverse Naga tribes.
According to a press statement issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Nagaland, the decision was communicated to the Chief Secretary of Nagaland through a Ministry of Home Affairs letter dated November 29.
The DIPR noted that Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio had repeatedly taken up the issue with central leaders, including the Union Home Minister. The Chief Minister had also written to the Centre several times, with his latest letter to Home Minister Amit Shah dated November 28, 2025. The State Cabinet had also resolved to oppose the imposition of the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime in Nagaland.
The Home Ministry’s letter acknowledged that the 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival would feature participation from six partner countries and highlighted the crucial role tourism plays in Nagaland’s economy, especially in providing local employment and livelihood opportunities.
The Ministry stated that tourists from across India and abroad are expected to attend the festival. It added that the partner countries would take part in cultural events, business round tables and networking engagements, and that the state government had sought the relaxation of the PAP regime to promote tourism, ease movement and strengthen integration with the rest of the country.
The letter further stated that the Government of India had considered Nagaland’s request in view of the significance of the Hornbill Festival.
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio conveyed his Statehood Day greetings to former Chief Ministers Dr S.C. Jamir, K.L. Chishi and Dr Shurhozelie. He also invited them to the inaugural programme of the 26th Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on December 1.
The invitation noted that this year’s edition of the festival would feature six partner countries—France, Austria, Switzerland, the UK, Malta and Ireland—with Arunachal Pradesh participating as the partner state.
(ANI)