The Centre has granted a 10-day Protected Area Permit relaxation for the Hornbill Festival, enabling foreign participation in the 26th edition at Kisama.
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KOHIMA — The stage is set for the 26th edition of Hornbill Festival, with the government of India granting a ten-day Protected Area Permit (PAP) concession from December 1 to midnight of December 10.
The PAP—required for foreign nationals entering restricted areas such as Nagaland—had been a major “hitch” for this year’s festival following the Centre’s re-imposition of the regime in December 2024.
Responding to repeated requests from Nagaland government, the Ministry of Home Affairs on November 29 announced a temporary lifting of PAP requirements exclusively for the Hornbill Festival period.
Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along on Sunday acknowledged the difficulties the PAP regime caused for international visitors but urged tourists “not to feel frustrated” and to follow the procedure wherever applicable.
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He said that obtaining the PAP is “not difficult” and can be completed at the airport within about 15 minutes. The relaxation applies to all foreign nationals except those from China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, he added.
Along, accompanied by Tourism Director Veyielo Doulo and Joint Director Toka E Tuccumi, briefed the media at the Tourism Directorate on the arrangements for Hornbill Festival 2025.
This year, six country partners—France, the United Kingdom, Malta, Austria, Ireland and Switzerland—will participate, while Arunachal Pradesh is the state partner.
Along said that Nagaland is focusing on amplifying its traditions and culture and strengthening networks with partner countries and states.
For the inaugural ceremony at 4 pm in Kisama, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will be the chief host and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio the host. The main arena has been renamed the Unity Arena.
An extension of Hornbill Festival will be held in Mon district at the Konyak Heritage Village from December 8 to the 10th.
According to Along, heritage preservation is particularly strong in the eastern districts and expressed hope that the Konyak village would grow into a major centre of art, tradition and culture.
Additional festival events and extensions will take place across the state, including a carnival in Dimapur from December 6, the Doyang Festival in Wokha, and events in Zunheboto and other regions. He urged visitors to explore these parallel experiences as well.
On delays in venue preparations, Along admitted that adverse weather had “created havoc” despite works having begun early, preventing full completion of the infrastructure.
He also maintained that participation in the Hornbill Festival has strengthened Nagaland’s cultural ties with Japan.
Calling the Hornbill Festival “not just a state festival but an international festival,” the minister said that it brings knowledge, opportunities and thousands of seasonal jobs—adding that Kisama has the potential to become a sustainable cultural hub year-round.
Addressing a recent controversy in which the governor was mistakenly referred to as “Chief Angh” in an inaugural programme draft, Along apologised for the error, pointing out that the incorrect post uploaded on the official tourism handle had been removed.