Kisama (Nagaland) [India], December 2: The 25th edition of the Hornbill Festival continued to captivate audiences on its second day with colorful cultural performances and exciting collaborations at the Heritage Village in Kisama, Nagaland.
Running from December 1 to December 10, this year’s festival is set to be a grand celebration of Nagaland’s rich cultural heritage, along with international artistic collaborations. On day two, troupes dressed in traditional vibrant attire were seen eagerly awaiting their performances.
One of the major highlights of this year’s festival is the performance of Mari Mathias, a renowned Welsh folk and indie singer-songwriter. Mathias, known for blending Welsh folk traditions with modern indie influences, has generated great anticipation for her appearance. In a recent interview with ANI, she expressed her enthusiasm about performing in Nagaland, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening global ties.
“Cultural exchange is vital for building lasting relationships between countries,” Mathias shared. “It helps us understand one another better, fostering respect and deeper connections that transcend borders.”
The Hornbill Festival, often called the ‘Festival of Festivals,’ is celebrated for its diverse cultural showcases, including music, dance, and traditional arts. This year, it has taken on an international flair through a collaboration with the British Council and the State of Nagaland under the ‘Wales in India 2024’ initiative. This partnership underscores both the Welsh Government and the British Council’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange.
As part of the collaboration, Mathias will perform alongside fellow Welsh folk artist Gareth Bonello, local Naga artist Seyievinuo Chuzho, and Khasi artist Benedict Skhemlang Hynniewta. The cross-cultural musical performances are expected to draw large crowds, offering a unique fusion of Welsh and Naga musical traditions.
This collaboration was officially launched during Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s visit to Wales in October, and highlights the strengthening relationship between the UK and Nagaland. The initiative is supported by the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, Wales Arts International, and the Indian Wales Culture Fund, which is focused on creating new platforms for both Indian and Welsh artists.
In addition to the performances, the festival also features discussion sessions exploring the intersections of culture, art, and education, further enhancing the cultural dialogue.