The Hornbill Festival, celebrated every year from December 1 to 10, is one of Nagaland’s most prominent tourism events. First launched in 2000, the 10-day festival highlights the diverse cultural heritage of the Naga tribes and draws thousands of visitors from across India and abroad.

Hosted by the Nagaland government, the festival showcases traditional tribal performances, handloom and handicraft displays, indigenous games, local cuisines, and vibrant cultural showcases. The event also plays a key role in boosting Nagaland’s tourism sector and promoting cultural preservation.

The festival is named after the hornbill, a bird that holds deep symbolic and cultural importance among various Naga tribes.

The 25th edition held in 2024 recorded 2,05,968 visitors at the Kisama venue, reflecting the festival’s growing popularity. With preparations now in full swing, authorities expect the 2026 edition to attract even larger crowds and offer an enhanced experience to visitors.

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The festival, scheduled from December 1 to 10, 2025, celebrates Naga culture, tradition, food, music, and unity, while also hosting business networking sessions and workshops. Last year, international partners included Wales, the US, Japan, and Peru, alongside Sikkim and Telangana as state partners.

The 2025 edition is expected to surpass previous attendance, building on last year’s 33.7% rise in footfall, with 2,05,968 visitors, including 2,375 foreign tourists and over 56,000 domestic visitors, generating ₹100 crore in revenue from a ₹6.5 crore investment. Local participation also increased to 1,47,224 attendees, reflecting strong community engagement.

To facilitate travel, Air India Express has been announced as the official travel partner, enhancing connectivity for domestic and international visitors. “This partnership will strengthen connectivity & create opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange & economic growth in the #LandOfFestivals,” Rio posted.

The Hornbill Festival provides a platform for local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs, promoting handloom, handicrafts, and indigenous cuisine. With its international delegations, corporate support, and growing tourist turnout, the Hornbill Festival 2025 is set to further strengthen Nagaland’s position as a premier cultural tourism destination in India.

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As a key highlight of the Hornbill Festival travel partner initiative, the airline will launch a special Tsungkotepsu-themed livery on its latest Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The design is inspired by the traditional warrior shawl of the Ao Naga tribe, symbolising honour, courage, and heritage. The aircraft will be officially received at Dimapur Airport by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on November 22.

To encourage higher tourism inflow, Air India Express has also announced a 15% discount on direct and one-stop flights to Dimapur from November 20 to 30, for travel between November 20 and December 15. Bookings can be availed using promo code HORNBILL. The airline will additionally assist artists and festival organisers with travel arrangements and set up a dedicated Hornbill experience kiosk at Dimapur Airport.

Recognised as the Hornbill Festival travel partner, Air India Express reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating India’s cultural diversity through its “Tales of India” initiative. The airline currently operates daily flights between Dimapur and Guwahati with further connectivity to major metros including Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Patna and more.

With this partnership, both Nagaland Tourism and Air India Express hope to enhance accessibility, cultural visibility, and economic growth while offering travellers an immersive festival experience.

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