Nagaland: Austria, Malta partner for Hornbill Festival 2025

Dimapur: Austria and Malta will be the new country partners of the 10-day Hornbill Festival 2025 in Nagaland, scheduled to start on December 1 at Kisama, near Kohima.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, along with representatives of Austria and Malta, announced the country partnerships for the forthcoming festival in New Delhi on Wednesday.

High Commissioner of Malta to India, Reuben Gauci, in his meeting with Rio, appreciated and thanked the Nagaland government for the partnership.

He stated that Malta looked forward to participating in this iconic event and expressed hope that the platform would strengthen ties, enhance people-to-people contact, and pave the way for future collaborations.

Gisela Kristoferitsch, Deputy Head of Mission at the Austrian Embassy, said Austria would be represented by trade delegations and that avenues for collaborations and partnerships would be explored during their participation in the various events of the festival.

Rio said, “It is a pleasure and an honour to welcome Malta and Austria as country partners for the Hornbill Festival. Both nations possess rich histories, vibrant cultures, and remarkable strengths in art, heritage, creativity, and innovation. Their participation adds immense value to Nagaland’s celebrations as the Land of Festivals.”

“We look forward to meaningful collaborations that will deepen people-to-people connections, strengthen cultural and creative-economy exchanges, and open new avenues for partnership across sectors,” he added.

Meanwhile, the state Art & Culture Department is all set for the upcoming festival, which will be held under the theme ‘Cultural Connect.’

The department said daily cultural performances and a cultural extravaganza will be held at the main arena.

Eighteen cultural troupes from within the state will showcase their lively folk dances and songs, indigenous games, rituals, and folk dramas in their colourful traditional attire at the event.