Scindia joins Hornbill Festival, unveils ₹650 cr package to boost Nagaland’s growth

Held at the iconic Kisama Heritage Village, this year’s Hornbill Festival stood out for its unprecedented international participation.

Union Minister for Communications & DoNER Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia participated in Nagaland’s world-renowned Hornbill Festival, marking a significant cultural and developmental moment during his three-day visit to the state. Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” Hornbill showcases the vibrant traditions, artistry and heritage of Nagaland’s 17 indigenous tribes, reflecting the state’s cultural richness and global appeal.

Expressing his emotional bond with the people of Nagaland, the Minister said, “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’s Global Rise Under PM Modi’s Northeast Focus

Held at the iconic Kisama Heritage Village, this year’s Hornbill Festival stood out for its unprecedented international participation. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s thrust on cultural diplomacy and regional development:

• Switzerland, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined as official Partner Countries for the first time.

• Global collaborations have elevated the festival’s profile, positioning the Northeast as a centre of international cultural exchange.

• Improved connectivity, tourism initiatives and infrastructure have drawn rising numbers of domestic and foreign visitors.

The festival continues to blend traditional tribal expressions with modern creativity, featuring:

• Tribal dances and musical performances

• Handloom and handicraft exhibitions

• Indigenous sports and village walks

• Culinary showcases celebrating Naga cuisine

• The famed Hornbill International Rock Contest

• Evening concerts and artisan-led storytelling

Scindia’s Immersive Engagements: A Celebration of Craft and Culture

During his cultural tour, Shri Scindia engaged extensively with the people who form the backbone of Nagaland’s creative economy.

At the Regional Craft and Resource Centre in Touphema Village, he:

• Interacted with women artisans and designer Margherita

• Participated in Naga Khu (basket) weaving

• Observed crafting of the traditional Naga Dao

• Played the TaTi, an indigenous string instrument, alongside Angami artists

His visit also included a stop at a local coffee farm, where he enjoyed:

• Freshly brewed Naga coffee

• Handmade muffins and roasted Naga dal prepared by local women entrepreneurs

• A traditional coffee-making session with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio

• Conversations with young coffee growers contributing to Nagaland’s emerging specialty coffee economy

In the evening, he visited the Angami, Chakhesang and Konyak morungs, and later met women weavers and craftswomen at the Hornbill handicraft market, acknowledging their role in preserving tribal heritage and driving income generation.

Participating in Angami Stone-Pulling Ceremony

Earlier in the day, the Minister took part in the revered Angami stone-pulling ceremony at Tuophema Village—a communal ritual symbolizing unity, strength and collective purpose. Scindia described it as a powerful reminder of Naga resilience and social harmony.

₹650 Crore Development Package to Accelerate Nagaland’s Future

In a major announcement, Shri Scindia unveiled a ₹650 crore development package under the Government of India’s Act East, Act Fast, Act First vision:

• ₹202 crore worth of projects inaugurated

• Foundation stones laid for ₹443 crore covering:

  • Healthcare facilities

  • Educational institutions and innovation hubs

  • Sports infrastructure

  • Power supply improvements

  • Strategic road corridors

  • Expanded communication and connectivity

The projects aim to unlock economic opportunities, strengthen last-mile infrastructure and deepen integration across Nagaland.

He noted, “From airports and highways to telecom and cross-border connectivity, infrastructure in the Northeast is advancing at unprecedented speed.”

Northeast: India’s Rising Powerhouse

Reaffirming the Prime Minister’s vision of the Northeast as the Ashta Lakshmi of India, Scindia said the region has become one of the fastest-growing in the country, powered by a youthful, dynamic and entrepreneurial population. He assured that close coordination between DoNER and the Nagaland Government will continue to fast-track upcoming developmental projects already in the pipeline.