Hornbill Festival 2025 turns service, creative hub with Aadhaar stall, public art and more

DIMAPUR — Various departments and organisations have set up stalls providing services ranging from Aadhaar enrolment and legal aid to art exhibitions at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, as part of the ongoing Hornbill Festival.

Aadhaar enrolment and update stall

To facilitate Aadhaar enrolment and update services, the UIDAI, Regional Office Guwahati, in coordination with the state government, has set up an Aadhaar enrolment and update stall.

According to a press release, the stall will remain open until December 10.

Individuals can visit the stall to avail of services including Aadhaar enrolment for all age groups, updates of demographic information (name, address, gender, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID), and updates of biometric information (photo, fingerprints, and iris scans).

It stated that for Aadhaar enrolment of children below 5 years, the Aadhaar of one of the parents and the birth certificate of the child are mandatory.

Also read: Tourists participate in stilt bamboo race at Naga Heritage Village

The stall also offers mandatory biometric updates for children at the ages of 5 and 15 years and verification of Aadhaar numbers through online/offline modes.

People attending the Hornbill Festival 2025 are encouraged to visit the stall with original documents, which will be scanned and immediately returned after the completion of the process.

Legal Services stall

Justice Sanjay Kumar Medhi, judge, Gauhati High Court, and executive chairman, Arunachal Pradesh Legal Services Authority, inaugurated the Legal Services Stall set up by the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on December 1.

Delivering a short speech, Medhi expounded that the main purpose of the stall is to reach out to people in need of justice. He encouraged the panel lawyers and paralegal volunteers to reach out and let the needy access their rights and entitlements, stated a DIPR report.

Citing the Victim Compensation Scheme, the judge pointed out how the Supreme Court of India has mandated trial courts to speedily dispatch victim compensation, adding that victims are not required to wait but can claim it immediately.

Medhi lauded the NSLSA for proactively pursuing its mission in spreading awareness and organising legal activities. He noted that the workforce in the legal authority has been working with transparency by documenting all activities.

The special guest also handed over a victim compensation cheque to the district legal services authorities. Mezivolu T Therieh, principal district and sessions judge, Kohima, and chairperson, Kohima DLSA, received the cheque on behalf of the victim beneficiaries.

It was mentioned that NSLSA, under the aegis of the National Legal Services Authority, has set up a 10-day Legal Services Stall to provide all legal services for free.

Earlier, Neiko Akami, member secretary, delivered the welcome note. Akami shared the importance of setting up the stall and informed that important laws and acts have been translated into local Naga dialects and Nagamese for those preferring languages other than English.

At the stall, visitors can obtain the latest legal literature and booklets on new laws, acts, and rules. Visitors can also seek legal advice and consultation on any matter, get legal assistance, or clear doubts on legal topics without incurring any charge.

Information on Lok Adalats, mediation, victim compensation, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, and the early release of under-trial prisoners is also available.

Irish art installation ‘Danu’

An Irish public art installation titled ‘Danu’ is on display at the Naga Heritage Village.

Created by Irish artists Lisa Sweeney, Richard Babington and Johnny O’Reilly, along with Indian artist Sanjib Saha, the installation draws inspiration from the Celtic figure Danu, representing themes of motherhood, resilience and strength.

The design also incorporates motifs linked to Ireland’s ancient seasonal festivals and traditions associated with Brigid, one of Ireland’s female patron saints.

First exhibited in Kolkata, the artwork was crafted using iron, wood, bamboo and fabric, with a small pool of water at its base to evoke Danu’s deep connection to rivers and the life-giving force of water. The piece also features St. Brigid’s Cross, symbolising protection and blessing.

Supported by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Culture Ireland, and Ireland’s Honorary Consul in Kolkata, the installation marks a cultural collaboration.

‘Danu’ is being showcased at Hornbill Festival 2025 in partnership with the Government of Nagaland and the Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA).

India Post ‘My Stamps’

India Post Philately has set up a special counter at the Hornbill Festival, Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, inviting visitors to create their own personalised “My Stamps”.

The service allows festival-goers to document their moments or individuals by turning their photographs into official postage stamps.

The initiative has drawn interest from attendees, who are using the opportunity to craft souvenirs and share customised stamps with loved ones. The stall is at the Handloom and Handicraft Pavilion, Kisama.