Nagaland showcases music and culture in Delhi ahead of Hornbill Festival

Nagaland presented its music, fashion and cultural traditions in New Delhi on November 6 through the Hornbill Cultural Showcase—Ticket to Hornbill 2026, held at Talkatora Stadium, Nagaland Post reported. The programme, organised by the Government of Nagaland via Tourism Nagaland and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), also served as the grand finale of a nationwide band competition, giving Delhi audiences a preview of the Hornbill Festival slated for December.

State leaders host the programme

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio acted as the Chief Host, while Minister of Tourism and Higher Education Temjen Imna Along served as Co-Host. Along highlighted the showcase’s role in promoting tourism, saying it would introduce Delhi audiences to Nagaland’s cultural traditions and contemporary creative works and encourage visits to the state during the December Hornbill Festival. He expressed hope that the initiative would generate tourism opportunities, personal connections and benefits for local communities.

Performances and fashion display

The cultural programme opened with performances by Azi Rudy, Sentien Kichu and Vetho Rhakho. An ethnic-fusion fashion show by the Nagaland Designers’ Association displayed the state’s design talent, followed by a folk-fusion cultural dance by The Ao Naga Fusion and a folk-fusion song by Densu. TaFMA chairman Theja Meru said the showcase provides a platform to highlight cultural knowledge and traditions passed down through generations, while giving younger practitioners a chance to contribute their creativity and connect with their communities.

Band battle finale and prizes

The event also featured the grand finale of Ticket to Hornbill—India’s Biggest Band Battle, bringing together emerging bands from across the country. Presented by Casio India, the competition offers a cash prize pool of Rs. 20 lakh and individual musical instruments worth Rs. 5 lakh. The winning band will earn an opportunity to perform at the Hornbill Music Festival in Nagaland in December 2026. Meru said the competition provides independent bands with exposure to new audiences, professional networking opportunities and financial support, helping promising musicians build sustainable careers through bookings and collaborations.

Outreach ahead of the Hornbill Festival

According to Nagaland Post, the New Delhi showcase forms part of Nagaland’s outreach ahead of the Hornbill Festival, combining cultural promotion, tourism development and opportunities for emerging musical talent.