Festivals of Nagaland: The state of Nagaland in northeastern India is mainly known for its scenic beauty. It is home to several indigenous tribal communities and Nagaland hosts many festivals throughout the year. The most famous festival is the Hornbill Festival, which draws tourists and hobbyists from all over the country. Many other holidays are related to agriculture, the natural elements and spirits of the earth, and strengthening family ties. Each tribal group has a rich historical and cultural background, and each community contributes to the country’s charm. In such a diverse land, there will be many events and celebrations that bring Nagaland’s cultural mosaic to life. Some of the most attractive festivals held in Nagaland are:
Hornbill Festival
Named after Nagaland’s national bird, the hornbill, the festival celebrates the country’s spirit and cultural diversity. The Hornbill Festival is also called the “festival of festivals” because of its grandeur and festive appeal. The festival was first organized by the Nagaland government in 2000 to encourage intertribal exchanges. Since then, it has been held for 7 days from December 1st to 7th every year. The festival is held in the Naga Heritage Village of Kisama, 12 km from the capital, Kohima. Highlights of this extravagant cultural event include local delicacies, ethnic dance performances, sales of tribal art (paintings, sculptures and woodcarvings), games and religious ceremonies. Part of the ostensible cultural celebration is also the Hornbill International Rock Festival, featuring numerous artists from all over India and outside India. This festival is for everyone from cultural explorers to city dwellers.
Aoleng Festival
Celebrated by the Konyak Naga tribe in the Mon region of Nagaland, the Aoleng festival is held annually in the first week of April. Aoling or Aoleng festival according to agricultural beliefs marks the start of the spring season. The Konyak Naga are famous for hunting people, and they spread across the vast Mon region and even Myanmar. April is also the New Year in the Konyak calendar. Thus, the Aoleng Festival is actually a double celebration of the new year and the arrival of spring. The tribe is extremely religious, starting the festival with sacrifices and religious ceremonies, with a deep belief that the gods will bless the land with great harvests. Festivities, dancing and music follow. The first three days are devoted to preparation. During these three days, new clothes are weaved, food and traditional beer are prepared, and beer and animal sacrifices are made. The fourth day is the most important. The tribesmen dress up in their finest clothes and accessories and perform folk dances. For those who want to see Konyak culture, a visit to the area on day 4 is well worth it. The last two days were devoted to cleaning the house and clearing the village territory.
Sekrenyi Festival
Sekrenyi, which means “Festival of Dedication”, is a 10-day festival celebrated by the Angami Nagas. This festival is known locally as “Phounsanyi” and takes place around February 25th. This festival has great spiritual significance as it aims to purify the soul and body from all sins. Sekrenyi festival is associated with agricultural practices and the onset of “adulthood” in younger members of society. The celebration lasts about 10 to 15 days.
On the first day, older men and women sprinkle holy water on themselves and wash themselves. Similarly, on the second day, the teenagers sprinkle sacred water and then sacrifice a rooster. On the fourth day, all the shaved youngsters gather in one place to sing and dance with men in traditional costumes, men with shovels and knives, and women with baskets. The fourth day is also the tribal new year. On the seventh day, the youngsters go hunting, and when all these festivities are over, people gradually return to their fields and daily routines. Man thinks that he should not cultivate or harvest crops until he is clean.
Moatsu Mong
Known as Moatsu, this festival is celebrated by the Ao people and is related to agriculture. Unlike other holidays, this holiday is celebrated after the fields are cleared and the seeds are sown. It is a three-day holiday in the first week of May. This is the most enjoyable time of the year for Ao people. They light a fire called Sangpangtu, and men and women sit around it in their best clothes, while the women treat everyone to wine and meat. The holiday is marked by stormy songs and dances. Other rituals include prayers and expressions of gratitude to the forest and their ancestors. When young people come out and tell funny stories and adult stories, everyone bursts out laughing uncontrollably. This extremely enjoyable storytelling session ends with a game of tug-of-war between the men and women. Women always win in this game. Men say that a woman’s beauty is so attractive that they fall in love with it and forget the game.
Mim Kut Festival
Celebrated in many parts of Nagaland and also in Mizoram, Mim Kut is a harvest festival celebrated by the Kuki Nagas. The festival is celebrated after the successful harvest of the final harvest of the season, or maize called Mim in the local language. During the holiday, it is believed that the spirits of the dead come to bless the family. To honor their dead ancestors, people prepare rice wine, homemade bread, fresh vegetables, and even hand-made jewelry. This festival is held every year at the end of December and lasts for two days. The main attraction of the festival is not their cultural costumes, but the delightful dance performances by the locals in the most elaborate costumes to the pulsating music of large traditional drums, longhorns, and other graceful instruments. Numerous games, contests, fairs, and stalls are organized to keep the holiday spirit alive.
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Bushu Dima
Bushu Dima is a lavish festival celebrated by the Dimasa tribe at the end of the January harvest. The celebration begins with the offering of paddy harvest to the supreme deity called Brai Sibrai Madai before erecting an elegant gate at the entrance to the village called Phangsla. Gajaibao is appointed to oversee the trial of the festival, which includes ensuring that there is enough animal and bird meat to eat on the great holiday. Tribal men traditionally sing to the beat of drums known as Kharam. The first night of the celebration is dancing and feasting in traditional costumes. The second day is dedicated to sports and games. Games such as the long jump, high jump, and stone-throwing are organized. On the last day of the holiday, guests are greeted with horns and drums. This is the most important holiday for Dimasa. Because joy is seen as a reward for hard work in the rice fields.
Tsukheneye Festival
Tsukheneye is mainly held in the Phek district of Nagaland and is a festival celebrated by the people of the Chakhesang tribe of Nagaland. This holiday is quite popular among them as it is related to harvesting crops. Held mainly in March. During the festival, you can see some pretty interesting things, such as offering a rooster early in the morning on the first day of the festival. The festival lasts four days and is accompanied by ritual bathing in the river for purification. Men participate in the bathing portion of the festival. They firmly believe that the rituals of the festival will influence the next year’s harvest. One notable feature of the festival is that women are not allowed to participate.
Naknyulem Festival
Naknyulem is a fun festival celebrated by the people of the Chang tribe. It is designed to glorify tribal culture and traditions as well as friendship. This festival takes place in July and is filled with dancing, singing and some exciting games. You can watch various games such as tug-of-war, long jump, high jump, spinning top, and snacking. There are some pretty odd games that you will find quite amusing. It is a festival where you can hear the mysterious sound of Kongkhim, an instrument played only by women. In general, when you participate in a festival, you have time for the festival.
Tokhu Emong
Tokhu Emong is a holiday celebrated in the first week of November to mark the end of the harvest season for the Lot people of Nagaland. This festival is comparatively cooler than other festivals in Nagaland. The Lot tribe usually celebrates the holidays by having fun among themselves, singing, dancing, drinking, and feasting. The meaning of the holiday is to celebrate a “day off” among themselves to get through the winter after the harvest.
Tuluni Festival
The Tuluni festival is celebrated by the Sumi people of Nagaland in July and is held for three days. The Sumeri celebrate this holiday to harmonize with each other and to make young couples feel at home. A handful of locals kick off the celebration by exchanging gifts, while the rest of the family prepares a delicious meal and shares a meal together. This festival is mainly held to celebrate the harvest of the harvest given to them.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Festivals of Nagaland
What are Nagaland’s festivals?
Nagaland has several festivals. Some of them are Sukrunyi, Hornbill Festival, Moatsii Mong, Sekrenyi, Naknyulem, Bushu Jiba, Aoleang Monyu, and many others.
What does Hornbill Festival mean in Nagaland?
The Hornbill Festival is held in the village of Kisama in Nagaland, 12 km from Kohima. This festival is mainly held to showcase the cultural and traditional heritage of Nagaland.
What Happens at Tokhu Emong Festival in Nagaland?
Tokhu Emong Festival is a harvest festival in Nagaland held during the harvest season.
When is Hornbill Festival in Nagaland?
The Hornbill Festival is held in Nagaland every year in the first week of December.
What is the main dish of Nagaland people?
The Naga people eat mainly rice, various types of meat, and boiled vegetables in their daily diet.
When is the best time to visit Nagaland?
If you want to explore the whole of Nagaland comfortably, come here during the summer season. Because the weather is pleasant and you can go anywhere in the state. Also, if you like the cold, you can visit in winter. Avoid Nagaland during the rainy season.
How can I visit Nagaland?
Nagaland can be reached by plane via Dimapur, which is 75 km from Kohima, or by train from Guwahati to Dimapur. Once you arrive in Dimapur, you can easily reach Kohima by renting a taxi or using public transport.
Do Indian tourists need a permit to visit Nagaland?
No, if you are Indian, you do not need a permit to visit Nagaland. Foreigners no longer need a driver’s license.
