Kohima, Nagaland — Ireland’s Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, praised the Hornbill Festival as a remarkable showcase of Naga culture during his recent visit. Invited as a country partner, he described attending the festival as an honour and was particularly impressed by the colourful, professional opening ceremony and the blend of traditional and contemporary expressions on display.
Ambassador Kelly highlighted the festival’s evolving cultural landscape, from folk music and dance to modern fashion that could stand alongside international runways. He noted how Nagaland, although located in India’s remote northeast, confidently presents its identity while embracing modern influences, providing a lively platform for tourism, trade, food, fashion and local products.
Kelly stressed that Ireland’s involvement is meant to be reciprocal: both sides can learn from one another. He hopes the engagement will inspire young Nagas to consider visiting Ireland, pursuing education or work there, or simply exploring it as tourists. He drew a friendly comparison between Nagaland’s lush scenery and Ireland’s famed green landscapes, suggesting the natural beauty of both places could spark mutual curiosity.
The visit also had an economic dimension. A delegation from Enterprise Ireland accompanied the ambassador to evaluate potential opportunities, particularly in agri-tech and related sectors. While no Irish companies currently operate in Nagaland, Kelly expressed optimism that the trip could catalyse future business partnerships and economic links.
Addressing Nagaland’s youth, he encouraged them to take pride in their cultural heritage while remaining open to global exchange. He expressed interest in deeper cultural collaboration, including possibilities of bringing Naga artists to perform in Ireland and showcasing more Irish culture in Nagaland.
Finally, Kelly urged international visitors to respect local customs, engage genuinely with residents and help promote Nagaland’s attractions abroad. With a light-hearted reminder for young Irish travellers to look after their passports, he also praised the state’s warm hospitality and said it makes Nagaland an inviting and safe place to visit.
The ambassador’s comments underscore a growing relationship built on cultural respect, people-to-people links and the search for new economic ties between Ireland and Nagaland.
