Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly with others.
Kohima, November 18 (MExN): In a significant cultural diplomacy move, Ireland has been announced as the official Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, the flagship international cultural festival of Nagaland.
The joint announcement was made by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly, at an event held at the Naga House, New Delhi on November 18.
As the partner nation, the Embassy of Ireland will curate a series of events, including investment roundtables, music showcases, public arts installations, literary works, and a dialogue series titled “Ireland, India and Empire,” according to a DIPR report.
A key musical highlight will be the performance of 'Boinn', a new ensemble featuring members of the acclaimed Irish folk band The Mary Wallopers. The group is set to perform at the festival's opening ceremony, bringing traditional Irish ballads and folk songs to the stage.
The partnership will also feature a special discussion led by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, a distinguished Irish historian and Chair of the Irish Research Council, exploring the shared histories of colonisation in Ireland and Nagaland.
“Ireland's partnership with the Hornbill Festival reflects the growing depth of Ireland-India relations and the shared commitment to cultural collaboration and peace building dialogue,” Ambassador Kevin Kelly said.
Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio stated, “Nagaland is honoured to welcome Ireland as our Country Partner for this year's Hornbill Festival. Ireland's rich culture, heritage, and artistic traditions resonate deeply with our own, making this partnership both meaningful and special.”
He added that the state sees potential for expanded collaboration in culture, tourism, education, and sustainable development.
Delhi-based Kaivalya Plays will present dramatised readings from James Joyce's “Dubliners” and conduct theatre workshops for young arts enthusiasts in Nagaland.
A major public arts installation, featuring the Irish pagan goddess Danu, created collaboratively by artists from Ireland's Macnas and India, will also be showcased in Kohima.
Organised annually by the Government of Nagaland from December 1 to 10, the Hornbill Festival is the state's largest public celebration of culture and heritage, promoting unity among its 17 major tribes.
The musical ensemble Boinn comprises members of The Mary Wallopers, Andrew Hendy and Finnian O'Connor, along with musicians Meabh Mulligan and Caoimhe NF Mhaolagain. The name 'Boinn' references the Irish goddess of the River Boyne.
Meanwhile, Switzerland was also officially announced as the Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival 2025, a move set to enhance the international profile of Nagaland's flagship cultural event.
The announcement was made jointly by Nagaland Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio and the Ambassador of Switzerland to India and Bhutan, H.E. Maya Tissafi, following a meeting between the two dignitaries in New Delhi.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in the festival's evolution into a global celebration of culture and shared heritage, stated a DIPR report.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio said, “It is an honour to have Switzerland join us as the Country Partner for the Hornbill Festival. Switzerland’s global reputation for hospitality, innovation, and cultural richness complements Nagaland’s own heritage as the Land of Festivals.”
He expressed confidence that the collaboration would create new opportunities for dialogue, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, while reinforcing shared values of cultural diversity and sustainable tourism.
Ambassador H E Maya Tissafi welcomed the opportunity for Switzerland to participate in one of India's most iconic cultural events. She expressed hope that the partnership would pave the way for closer ties, deeper cultural engagement, and future collaborations across various sectors, celebrating Swiss traditions alongside the vibrant cultural tapestry of Nagaland.
The Government of Nagaland reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a meaningful and successful participation by Switzerland at the festival.
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