In a landmark collaboration, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, renowned for its vibrant cultural showcase will be unveiling its first-ever official line of merchandise in partnership with “Fingerprint”.
Conceptualized in coordination with the Tourism Department, this initiative introduces eco-friendly products that aim to create a unified representation of Naga identity while supporting sustainable revenue generation.
With its innovative designs, sustainability focus, and cultural storytelling, the official merchandise is set to become a hallmark of the Hornbill Festival, offering visitors an opportunity to take home a piece of Nagaland’s rich heritage.
Fingerprint proprietor Hongba Phom while sharing the vision behind the initiatives informed Nagaland Post, that until now, the Hornbill Festival has showcased an array of handicrafts, yet there was no standardization or official motif to represent the event.
The new merchandise line seeks to address this gap by combining traditional Naga motifs with a modern design approach. The initiative is not just commercial but symbolic, marking the festival’s evolution while also creating a sustainable revenue stream for the Tourism Department.
“The idea was to help the department earn revenue instead of just spending crores on the festival annually. This merchandise initiative offers a small yet impactful way to generate funds,” Phom explained. The partnership operates under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with profit-sharing, ensuring the department benefits directly from sales, he said.
The debut collection includes 13 carefully curated items that blend functionality, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Among the highlights:
• Fridge Magnets and Coasters: These wooden keepsakes feature iconic Naga motifs, each carrying its own story, from the majestic Hornbill bird to traditional log drums and shields.
• Customized Stationery: Diaries and pen stamps offer personalization options, perfect for cultural enthusiasts.
• Eco-Friendly Accessories: Sling bags, caps, and symbolic carry bags crafted from local materials aim to reduce environmental impact.
• Everyday Essentials: Simple yet elegant mugs and picnic-ready items cater to practical needs while representing Naga artistry.
“We wanted the products to be accessible to everyone. Unlike the festival’s reputation for steep prices, making them affordable souvenirs,” he added.
On the materials use, Phom mentioned that staying true to the ethos of sustainability, the merchandise is crafted using recycled wood and non-plastic materials. Local artisans are involved in designing and producing these items, ensuring economic benefits for the community. While some materials, such as base fabrics for caps, are sourced externally, all customization and assembly are done locally, supporting homegrown talent.
The merchandise will be exclusively available at a standalone kiosk, strategically located opposite the main arena at the festival. This unique stall, the first of its kind in 25 years, reflects the project’s ethos with its wooden construction and non-plastic displays. Visitors can find it nestled between the bamboo pavilion and the main arena, marked by its vibrant cloth panels.
This year marks the beginning of a larger vision. By 2025, the collection is expected to expand to 25 or more items, incorporating even richer local elements. “The ultimate goal is to establish a Naga identity not just in Nagaland but across national and international platforms,” Phom shared.