The Hornbill Festival, Nagaland's top tourist event, lit up the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The vibrant cultural show was led by Deputy Chief Minister T.R. Zeliang with dignitaries like French Ambassador Thierry Mathou and Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar attending. Eighteen tribes performed, showcasing rich traditions. The Phom tribe's 'Yapo Louh-Po' act about headhunting captured hearts with chants and drum beats. Other tribes including Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, and more wowed the crowd. A prize ceremony was held for the World War II Peace Rally, marking the Battle of Kohima. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said, "This rally honours and pays homage to the selfless sacrifices of our Naga people and reaffirms our commitment to live in peace." The Hornbill International Photo Fest (HIPFEST) opened officially with Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi praising Naga culture and highlighting the role of skilled professionals in development. Commissioner Orenthung Lotha called HIPFEST "a window to Nagaland," featuring 97 photographers this year. The traditional stilt bamboo race, showcasing agility and balance, was held with participants from various tribes. The tourist category race was set for the next day. Chief Minister Rio also released "Journey of the Hornbill Festival: Through the Lens of Kohima Press Club," tracing the fest's growth since 2000. Edited by Alice Yhoshü and Vishü Rita Krocha, it is the 113th title of publisher PenThrill. On Day 1, the festival saw 22,508 visitors, including 363 foreigners and over 5,300 domestic tourists, according to the Tourism Department. The festival continues to celebrate Nagaland's vibrant heritage and attract global attention.