Union Minister for Communications & DoNER, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, participated in the globally acclaimed Hornbill Festival of Nagaland, celebrating the state’s rich cultural legacy and the traditions of its 17 tribes during his three-day visit. Expressing his deep emotional connection with the region, the Minister stated, “My relationship with Nagaland and its 17 tribes is one I feel from the heart. I bring with me the hopes, aspirations and unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Act East vision is transforming the Northeast into India’s first frontier to the world.”
Hornbill Festival: A Global Cultural Gateway
Held annually at the iconic Kisama Heritage Village, the Hornbill Festival continues to expand its international footprint under Prime Minister Modi’s Act East Policy.
This year, Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom joined as Partner Countries, marking a historic cultural convergence and elevating the festival’s global stature.
Hornbill 2025 highlighted:
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Traditional dances and music
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Indigenous games and village walks
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Handloom and handicraft showcases
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Culinary exhibitions
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Evening concerts and the renowned Hornbill International Rock Contest
The festival remains a powerful blend of heritage and contemporary creativity, with community-led participation ensuring the authenticity of Naga cultural narratives.
Engagements at Hornbill & Touphema: Celebrating Craft, Music and Community
During his visit, Shri Scindia engaged extensively with artisans, entrepreneurs and cultural practitioners across Nagaland.
Showcasing Naga Craftsmanship
At the Regional Craft and Resource Centre, Touphema Village, he:
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Interacted with women artisans and designer Margherita
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Participated in Naga Khu (basket) weaving
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Observed the crafting of the traditional Naga Dao
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Played the TaTi, an indigenous string instrument, alongside Angami artists
Promoting Local Cuisine & Coffee Culture
Later, at a local coffee farm, he:
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Sampled freshly roasted Naga dal and handmade muffins
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Enjoyed coffee brewed by local youth
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Joined Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio for a traditional coffee-making session
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Interacted with young entrepreneurs shaping Nagaland’s emerging coffee industry
The Minister also visited the Angami, Chakhesang and Konyak morungs, concluding the evening by meeting women weavers and craftswomen at the Hornbill handicraft market.
Honouring Tradition: Participation in Angami Stone-Pulling Ceremony
Earlier in the day, Shri Scindia joined the revered Angami stone-pulling ceremony in Touphema Village. Calling it a symbol of unity and collective identity, he praised the cultural strength and resilience of the Naga people.
₹650 Crore Development Package Announced for Nagaland
As part of the Government of India’s ‘Act East, Act Fast, Act First’ vision, the Minister unveiled a comprehensive ₹650 crore development package, comprising:
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Inaugurations worth ₹202 crore
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Foundation stones for projects worth ₹443 crore
The projects span key sectors including:
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Healthcare
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Sports infrastructure
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Power and electricity
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Education and innovation
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Road connectivity and transport corridors
Shri Scindia highlighted the rapid transformation underway in the Northeast, stating,
“From airports and highways to telecom and cross-border connectivity, infrastructure in the Northeast is advancing at unprecedented speed.”
He affirmed the strong partnership between the Ministry of DoNER and the Government of Nagaland under Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to accelerate growth and unlock new economic opportunities.
Conclusion
Reaffirming Prime Minister Modi’s vision of the Northeast as the “Ashta Lakshmi of India,” Shri Scindia said the region is now among the fastest-growing parts of the country, powered by a young and innovative population. Held annually at the iconic Kisama Heritage Village, the Hornbill Festival continues to expand its international footprint under Prime Minister Modi’s Act East Policy.
He assured that close coordination between the Centre and the State Government will continue, with several new projects already in the pipeline.
The Hornbill Festival 2025, marked by cultural brilliance and global collaborations, stands as a testament to the transformative progress and international re-emergence of the Northeast.
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Source: PIB
