The Government of Nagaland has signed a significant agreement with the British Council designating the United Kingdom as the Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, one of India’s largest cultural festivals celebrating Naga heritage and ethnic diversity. 

• The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director (India), British Council, in the presence of British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron CB OBE.
• The partnership aims to enhance cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and global visibility for Nagaland. 
• It strengthens ongoing cooperation between the British Council, British Deputy High Commission Kolkata, and the Nagaland Government.
• The state also named Air India Express as the Official Travel Partner for the Hornbill Festival.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

• The UK will curate cultural programmes, artistic collaborations, and creative workshops.
• For 2025, Scottish artist Ruairidh Maclean (RuMac) will perform on December 2 at the festival.
• The collaboration continues the tradition of UK participation—last year saw joint performances by Welsh, Naga, and Khasi artistes during the silver jubilee celebrations.
• The partnership is expected to open avenues in tourism, education, cultural enterprise, and people-to-people ties.
  

About the Hornbill Festival

• First organized in 2000, it aims to promote inter-tribal interaction and preserve Nagaland’s heritage, blending the traditional with the contemporary in a harmonious display of unity.
• Held annually from December 1–10 in Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland.
• Known as the “Festival of Festivals”, it showcases Naga tribes’ traditions, dances, crafts, cuisine, and music.
• Organised by the Nagaland’s State Tourism and the Art & Culture Departments.
• Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, North Eastern Council, and Nagaland Tourism Department.
• Named after the Great Indian Hornbill, a culturally important bird for Naga tribes.
  

Exam Hook – Prelims MCQ (Statement Based)

Consider the following statements about the Hornbill Festival 2025:

1. The United Kingdom is the Country Partner for the festival under an agreement signed with the British Council.
2. The festival is celebrated in Kisama Heritage Village and showcases the cultural heritage of various Naga tribes.
3. The Great Indian Hornbill, after which the festival is named, is the State Bird of Nagaland.
   

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a)

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