Hornbill Festival Draws 55,842 Visitors as Day Four Showcases 18 Tribes and Indigenous Contests

Partner showcases with indigenous contests channel cultural preservation into tourism growth.

Overview

Lhuvepra Venyo, 76, won the horn‑blowing competition with 91 points, ahead of Visosieto Vupru with 90.5 and 13‑year‑old Ketwapeusing Haikam with 71, earning cash prizes and certificates.
An 18‑tribe cultural show at Unity Plaza attracted thousands of spectators, hosted by Minister Metsubo Jamir with Advisor Mhathung Yanthan and attended by invited dignitaries.
Arunachal Pradesh is the State Partner, drawing steady footfall to its pavilion that promotes crafts and homegrown brands as part of a wider push for market access.
Nagaland’s Tourism Department counted 55,842 visitors to Kisama as of Wednesday, including 987 foreign tourists, 13,811 domestic travelers and 41,044 locals.
Traditional sports featured the horn‑blowing contest at Sumi Morung and the 18th Hornbill International Naga Wrestling Championship in Kigwema, with six European partner countries supporting the edition.