The 25th edition of the iconic Hornbill Festival in Nagaland concluded with record-breaking enthusiasm, drawing over 2.5 lakh visitors to Kisama Heritage Village. Among the festival’s highlights was the participation of Durex The Birds and Bees Talk (TBBT), Reckitt’s life skills program, which introduced Asia’s first-ever Consent Café to promote impactful conversations around consent and inclusivity.
Inaugurated by senior state officials, including ShriAnoopKhinchi (IAS) and ShriThavaseelan K (IAS), the Consent Café provided an immersive experience with light installations, art, and music. It emerged as a safe space to discuss the importance of consent in today’s society. The program also launched its Durex TBBT Rap Album, featuring five local rap artists addressing core pillars like consent, awareness, and inclusion. The album was unveiled by ShriTemjenImna Along, Minister of Tourism and Higher Education, who praised Reckitt for promoting health and hygiene through cultural engagement.
The Durex TBBT Arena at the venue became a major crowd-puller, offering interactive features such as a 360-degree camera booth, instant photos, and creative giveaways. Mascots Joy and Bubble further enlivened the space, fostering conversations on respect and empowerment among youth. The festival’s success also reflected in Imphal, where local businesses saw a noticeable boost in demand for health and hygiene products. Retailers reported heightened interest in educational materials and programs addressing adolescent life skills. The festival’s focus on inclusivity and consent resonated strongly with the younger population, further driving engagement with such initiatives. Gaurav Jain, EVP, Reckitt South Asia, remarked, “The Hornbill Festival was a magnificent platform to blend education with entertainment. Through innovative initiatives like the Consent Café and Rap Album, we aim to drive transformative conversations and empower youth.”