Over 1.54 lakh tourists attend Hornbill Festival in Nagaland this year

India opens Northeast states for foreign tourists by easing restricted area permits

The festival's pinnacle was on the last day, Sunday, recording the highest footfall at 23,583, followed by the second-largest turnout of 18,002 on December 3, according to the tourism department. The Hornbill festival serves as a vibrant showcase of Nagaland's deep-rooted traditions, cultural heritage, and ethnic diversity, capturing the essence of the state in all its grandeur.

In the visitors' diaries scattered across Kisama, located 12 kilometers from the state capital Kohima, tourists expressed their admiration for the Nagaland government. All tribes from Nagaland participate in the festival, aptly named after the hornbill bird, which is a prominent in the state's folklore. Festival-goers relished the experience of Naga cuisine, songs, dances, and customs, further enhancing the cultural richness of the event.