New Delhi, November 5 (MExN): Nagaland will showcase its music, fashion and cultural traditions at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on November 6 through the Hornbill Cultural Showcase, Ticket to Hornbill 2026.
The programme, organised by the state government through Tourism Nagaland and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), will begin at 5 pm. It will feature cultural performances and the grand finale of a nationwide band competition, Ticket to Hornbill – India’s Biggest Band Battle. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio will be the Chief Host, while Tourism and Higher Education Minister Temjen Imna Along will be the Co-Host.
According to a press release, the cultural programme will feature performances by Azi Rudy, Sentien Kichu and VethoRhakho. An ethnic fusion fashion show by the Nagaland Designers’ Association will showcase local design talent, followed by a folk fusion dance by The Ao Naga Fusion and a folk fusion song by Densu.
Along said the showcase was intended to introduce Delhi audiences to Nagaland’s cultural traditions and contemporary creative work ahead of the Hornbill Festival in December. “Through this showcase, we invite audiences in Delhi to discover Nagaland’s cultural traditions and contemporary creative work, and to visit us during the Hornbill Festival in December,” he said, adding that the initiative aimed to generate tourism, personal connections and opportunities for local communities.
The grand finale of the national band competition will bring together emerging bands from across the country. Presented by Casio India, the competition carries a cash prize pool of Rs 20 lakh and individual instrument prizes worth Rs 5 lakh.
The winning band will also get an opportunity to perform at the Hornbill Music Festival in Nagaland in December 2026.
TaFMA Chairman Theja Meru said the cultural showcase would provide national exposure to traditional performers while creating opportunities for younger practitioners to connect with their cultural roots. He said the band competition would help independent musicians gain exposure, professional connections and opportunities to build sustainable careers.
The event forms part of Nagaland’s tourism outreach ahead of the annual Hornbill Festival.
