Nagaland – Vibrant Traditions

Land of myths and festivals, brave warriors and tribal richness, Nagaland lures the adventurous of heart. Its colourful people, great verdant landscapes and cultural strengths are a delightful combination for a delightful holiday experience. Formally enrolled in as the 16th state of the Indian Union, in 1963, Nagaland shares borders with Assam, Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Three great mountain ranges, running parallel to each other in a jagged line from north to south, comprise the backbone of Nagaland; these are the Patkai, Barail and Naga ranges from which flow numerous rivers of which the most significant are the Dikhu and the Doyang. The Rugged mountainous terrain is highest in Saramati in the Tuesang district, which is 3840 m above sea level. Japfu Peak (3014 m) is the highest peak in Kohima district.

The dazzling array of ethnic lifestyles opens up fresh insights into a land that has a prism-like beauty. Each facer is honed to a bright finish that charms as much as it intrigues - as you delve deeper into its culture. Its turbulent history, song and dance, indigenous crafts, costumes and jewellery and myths and legends are an intrinsic part of the warp and weft of its traditions.

The multi-hued tapestry of Nagaland is as colourful as its festivals, as strong and vigorous as its turbulent rivers, as rich and varied as its flora and fauna…

Nagaland Cities

Kohima	Mokokchung	Tuensang
Wokha	Phek	Dimapur
Mon	Dzukou Valley

Attractions of Nagaland

Khonoma Village : The picturesque village of Khonoma (20 km) offers delightful views of Nagaland’s natural beauty and ecological diversity. En route look out for the memorial stones erected to commemorate Feast of Merit, and the intricate system of bamboo pipes, which carry water for long distances.

Zunheboto : The Semas live in homes strung along a cluster of hillocks in Zunheboto (150 km). The martial race among the Naga tribes are renowned for their dazzling war dance, folk songs, and ceremonial war dresses.

Cultural Mosaic of Nagaland

Morung Traditions : The pride of the village, the Morung is embellished with hunting trophies and fine wood carving in its doorway. This all-male dormitory, where a young lad of 6 enters and leaves when he weds, is where the village’s sacred hunting trophies, daos, spears and shields of the village are kept for safe keeping.

Feasts of Merit : The Feasts of Merit are important features of Naga society. The performance of a series of these feasts (genna), one more costly than the last, distinguish the host’s position in society. Every feast given entitled the host to progressively improve his standing and position in the village.

Woven Dreams : Naga shawls are not a mere wrap against the cold – they are highly symbolic. Each tribe has its own special patterns and motifs and even certain ceremonies are indicated in the weaving of these beautiful wraps.

Adventure Sports in Nagaland

Trekking : Rising 3048 m high above the verdure of the valley floor, Japfu Peak, 15 km south of Kohima, makes for a great trek especially from November to March.

Behind it lies the Dzukou Valley (2462 m), watered by a meandering stream which often freezes in winter. In spring, it is rich with wildflowers and pink and white rhododendrons.

Wildlife in Nagaland

Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary : Located about 37 km from Dimapur and 111 km from Kohima, Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary is the home to the Hoolock Baboon, the only gibbon found in India. The sanctuary also has a sizeable number of elephant, tiger, mithun, sambhar, wild dog and sloth bear.

Shopping in Nagaland

Weaving is one of the most colourful and dynamic traditions of the Nagas. Its finest renditions are in the beautiful hand-woven shawls of the tribes. The market outside the Supermarket is a delightful place where village women in tribal costumes sell products ranging from farm produce to trinkets.

Popular Shopping Outlets
The sales emporium of Nagaland Handlooms and Handicrafts Development Corporation in Kohima has woolen shawls, mekhlas (sarongs) and other Naga Handicrafts, made of wood and bamboo at which they are experts.

Check out Gurtell boutique for traditional and contemporary fabrics and designs.

Fairs and Festivals in Nagaland

Sekrenyi : The Angami tribals celebrate Sekrenyi in the month of February. It normally falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of Kezei. The ten-day festival is also called Phousanyi by the Angamis.

Aoling Monyu : Stretched over six days, the Aoling Monyu festival provides an excellent insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Konyaks tribe. With the completion of the sowing season by March-end, the festival marks the end of winter of the old year and heralds the New Year beginning with spring.

Moatsu : The Aos observe Moatsu after the sowing is done. Stretching over a period of six days, the festival is marked by vigorous merry-making after the hard labour of Jhum farming.

Tuluni : Held in the month of July, the Tuluni is the most important festival of the semas. Nobody is allowed inside the village on the first day of this five-day festival. The fourth day is the day of prayers and offerings to Litsaba – the deity of fruitfulness who gives life and protection to the crops.

Naknyulum : The strong, hardy and handsome Chang Nagas celebrate Naknyulum during the first week of July for a period of six days. No marriage ceremonies are performed during the festival. The Chang decorate their houses with a special kind of tree, the Ngunam.

Hornbill Festival : The hornbill festival is celebrated every year at Kohima from the first to fifth of December.

Metemneo : The Yimchungers celebrate the Metemneo festival after the millet crop is harvested. But the festival is also connected with praying for the souls of the departed. Young girls and boys also get engaged during this festival which is spread over five days. With its strong agricultural bias, it’s not surprising that agricultural implements are worshipped.

Amongmong : The Sangtams celebrate Amongmong in the first week of September when the new crop is ready for harvesting. The main feature of the festival is the worship of the God of the house and the three cooking stones in the fireplace.

Tsokum : The Tsokum, a festival of the Khiamgans, is associated with harvesting which takes places in October.

Tokhu Emong : Tokhu Emong is celebrated by the Lothas once the harvesting is over and the granaries are full.

Ngada : Ngada is an annual celebration of the Rwengma Nagas observed towards the end of November/December. It is a popular belief of the ancient Rwengmas that the spirits of the dead visit their graves and the homes of their relatives once every year, particularly during this festival.

Monyu : Monyu is celebrated by the Phoms after the sowing of paddy every year, from the first to third of April.

How to reach Nagaland

By Air : Nearest Airport : Dimapur (74 km from Kohima). Indian Airlines flights : Delhi-Guwahati-Dimapur (Tue, Thurs, Sat). Dimapur-Kolkata (Daily).

By Road : Kohima can be reached by bus from Dimapur on NH 39. Buses leave from Dimapur (Transport Bus Stand) from Kohima every hour from 5:30 A.M. One can also go to Kohima from Imphal (145 km). Taxis charge about Rs. 400. Share taxis are available. Blue Hills Travels (Paltan Bazar) and many others in Guwahati have deluxe buses, which take about 13 hours to reach Kohima.