Autumn festival in Delhi as prelude to Nagaland’s 25th Hornbill Festival 

The 3rd edition of the Autumn Festival, a precursor to the silver jubilee of the renowned Hornbill Festival, was inaugurated at Nagaland House, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road, New Delhi, on October 18. The festival, which runs until October 20, 2024, marks the beginning of the celebrations leading up to the Hornbill Festival, scheduled for December 1–10 at Kisama, Nagaland.

Temjen Imna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Nagaland, served as the chief host, while Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Social Justice and Empowerment, B L Verma, was the chief guest. Mugdha Sinha, Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru to India, also graced the occasion.

In his address, Temjen Imna Along highlighted the significance of the Autumn Festival as a countdown to the Hornbill Festival. He urged the 17 Naga tribes to come together and prepare for the upcoming festivities, inviting everyone present to participate in the milestone 25th edition. He noted that the Hornbill Festival is more than just a celebration, describing it as a place where bonds are formed, and the trust, faith, and affection of the Naga people are earned. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Peru, the festival’s country partner, for their support.

Mugdha Sinha, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, congratulated the Nagaland government and its people on the festival’s success, calling it an exemplar of persistence and continuity. She praised the international appeal of the Hornbill Festival, which now attracts global bands and partners, and commended the state for promoting sustainability by blending nature and culture through the festival. She thanked the state for sharing its rich heritage, including its cuisine, music, and textiles, with visitors.

The programme also featured a cultural showcase, including a song performance by the Ao Naga Choir, a traditional Naga song by Ao students, a fashion show of Naga traditional attire by Kitem, and a traditional Naga wrestling match. A performance by the DGP Band concluded the evening.

The Autumn Festival is organised by the Nagaland Tourism Department in collaboration with the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House, New Delhi.a

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