The Government of Nagaland, through Tourism Nagaland and the Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA), today announced that Ticket to Hornbill 2026 would be held on October 16 and 17 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. The programme would bring the state’s cultural traditions and contemporary creative talent to the national capital, followed by a nationwide band competition offering prizes worth ₹25 lakh.
Conceived as a prelude to the Hornbill Festival, the event would introduce audiences to the music, heritage and artistic character of Nagaland ahead of the annual celebration in December.
The opening programme on October 16 would feature cultural performances, live music and artistic presentations from the state. Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, Union ministers, ambassadors and other senior dignitaries are expected to attend, subject to final confirmation.
Entry would be free, with gates opening at 5 p.m.
Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, Government of Nagaland, Temjen Imna Along said, “Ticket to Hornbill gives audiences in Delhi a direct introduction to Nagaland’s cultural energy and offers a compelling reason to experience the Hornbill Festival in December. We see this initiative strengthening tourism interest, cultural exchange and public engagement with the communities and creative traditions that define our state.”
On October 17, Talkatora Stadium would host Ticket to Hornbill – India’s Biggest Band Battle, bringing promising emerging groups from across the country before a live audience. The winning act would secure a performance opportunity at the Hornbill Music Festival in Nagaland in December 2026, providing valuable exposure at one of India’s prominent cultural gatherings.
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Echoing similar sentiments, Abu Metha, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Nagaland and Chairman, Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland, observed, said, “Nagaland’s young people have earned recognition in music through ability, discipline and enterprise. Our responsibility is to connect that talent with wider markets, professional networks and viable careers. Ticket to Hornbill shows how focused public initiatives can support creative ambition while generating new economic opportunities.”
Presented by Casio India, the competition carries a cash prize pool of ₹20 lakh, along with individual instrument prizes valued at ₹5 lakh sponsored by Furtados and Sennheiser. The awards have been structured to recognise collective performance as well as individual musical ability.
Highlighting the value of industry participation, Takuto Kimura, Managing Director, Casio India, commented, “Musicians also need opportunities to perform, connect with audiences and be discovered. That is why our partnership with the Hornbill Festival and Ticket to Hornbill is so meaningful. It allows us to support musicians across the entire journey, from learning and practice, to live performance and recognition. Together with the Government of Nagaland and TaFMA, we are helping create pathways for emerging artists to move from classrooms, studios and rehearsal spaces onto one of India’s most respected music platforms”
Elaborating on the competition’s purpose, Theja Meru, Chairman, Task Force for Music & Arts, added, “Independent bands often have the ability but lack access to major venues, industry attention and meaningful financial support. This competition addresses those gaps through a live national contest, substantial prizes and a direct route to the Hornbill Music Festival. We are looking for original musicianship, strong performance and artistic conviction.”
The band battle would begin at 5 p.m. on October 17. Tickets are priced at ₹200 and can be purchased at www.ahibi.in
