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Nagaland

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Introduction
Nagaland is a beautiful state in India's far north eastern corner. Myanmar is to the east, Assam is to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and a portion of Assam are to the north, and Manipur is to the south. Nagaland is one of India's most colourful states, with its exquisitely scenic scenery, rich flora and fauna, rich traditional and cultural heritage, and serene ambience. 
 
Nagaland is another term for beauty and abundance, as it is home to tribes who are fiercely protective of their culture and identity. The north-eastern state of Nagaland is defined by colourful costumes, spicy cuisines, pleasant weather, traditional villages, beautiful dance forms, and lyrical songs.
 
Nagaland, the land of the warrior Naga clan, has 16 officially recognised tribes, each with their own customs and rituals, which are reflected in their festivals, which revolve around their agricultural cycles. These festivals are beautiful to watch and are celebrated with song and dance.
 
On a cultural trip to Nagaland, the area promises to enchant art lovers and history buffs. The warmth of the Naga people will envelop you and make you want to return to the state again and again! Nagaland has a lot to offer nature lovers; Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, and Shilloi Lake are just a few examples of places where people can enjoy nature's bounty.
 
Traditions and Culture
Nagaland is abundant in flora and fauna, providing a home to some of the most fascinating plants and animals, not to mention the beautiful birds that call this place home. Nagaland is known as the "Falcon Capital of the World" because of its diverse bird population. Nagaland has a flamboyant tribal culture that dazzles and amazes everyone who visits the state.
 
There are 16 different tribes on the island, each with their own unique culture. More than 80% of the population lives in remote, isolated villages, where they follow their own customs and practises that date back centuries. The Nagas of Nagaland are said to be of Indo-mongoloid origin, a race whose presence was first noted ten centuries before Christ. 
 
Nagaland is recognised as "the world's only predominantly Baptist state" and "the world's most Baptist state." The state's prevailing religion is Christianity, with 98 percent of Nagas identifying as Christians, 7.7% as Hindus, and 0.5 percent as Muslims. The majority of the people of Nagaland speak Indian English which is the official language of this state. Around 36 different languages and dialects are spoken by Nagas. Angami, Aao, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sangmat, and Sema are the main languages spoken here.
 
Nagaland is a land with a distinct culture and way of life. Nagaland is famous for its bamboo and cane products, as well as weaving and wood carving. Basketry, Weaving, Woodcarving, Pottery, Metalwork, Jewellery, and Beadwork are some of the most significant pieces of art and crafts. Nagaland's society revolves around dance and music. It is home to a diverse range of tribes and races, resulting in a variety of traditional dances and songs. Nagaland's music is distinguished by folk songs and music accompanied by traditional instruments.
 
The dress code differs from tribe to tribe as well. Nagaland tribes wear shawls and skirts as their primary clothing. A petticoat called neikhro, a sleeveless top called vatchi, and a white skirt called pfemhou are the most popular outfits worn by Angami women. Men wear a black kilt with a very narrow black and red border, and women wear white clothes and skirts with a very narrow black and red border. These are further beautified with lines of cowries and beads. In Nagaland, various styles of shawls are worn by different people. Rongsu shawls are for people who have a glorious Mithun sacrifice heritage, while Rongkhim is only worn by the revered warrior.
 
Fair and Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Nagaland:

Nagaland is one of the states in India's north-eastern region that is known not only for its mesmerising scenic beauty, but also for some significant festivals. You may have also heard of Nagaland's enchanting Hornbill Festival, which takes place every year. But did you know that Nagaland also has a number of other festivals that are not only inspiring for the people of Nagaland. Here are some of the major ones:

  • Hornbill Festival: This festival, which takes its name from Nagaland's State Bird, the Hornbill, is intended to celebrate the state's spirit and cultural diversity. Because of its grandeur and festive beauty, the Hornbill Festival is also known as the "festival of festivals." The government of Nagaland first held the festival in the year 2000 to promote inter-tribal cooperation. Regional delicacies, ethnic dance performances, sales of native artworks (paintings, sculptures, and wooden carvings), sports, and religious ceremonies are among the highlights of this extravaganza celebration of culture. This ostensibly cultural gathering also includes the Hornbill International Rock Festival, which features performances by artists from all over India and beyond. Every year, it lasts seven days, from December 1 to December 7. The festival takes place in Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, a town 12 kilometres outside of Kohima, the capital city.
  • Sekrenyi: The Angami tribe's festival, Sekrenyi, takes place in February and falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of Kezei. It is a ten-day purification and sanctification festival with feasting and singing held in Kohima Village, Khonoma, and Tuophema (originally before going to war).
  • Tsukheneye: Tsukheneye is a Nagaland festival primarily held in the Phek district and celebrated by the Chakhesang tribe. This festival is well-known among them because it coincides with the harvesting of their crops. It is always held in March. The festival lasts four days and is accompanied by ritualistic purification dip in the river.
  • Aoleng Festival: The Aoleng festival is held every year during the first week of April by the Konyak Naga tribe in Nagaland's Mon district. The Aoling or Aoleng festival, which is based on agrarian traditions, ushers in the spring season. The Konyak Naga tribe is known for its tradition of headhunting and is spread over a large area of Mon and even Myanmar.
  • Moatsu Festival: Every year in the first week of May, the Ao tribe's tribal groups celebrate Moatsu Festival. After the seed has been planted, the festival is held.
  • Naknyulem Festival: The Chang tribe celebrates Naknyulem, which is a fun-filled festival. It is encouraged to honour not only friendship but also the tribe's culture and heritage. The festival takes place in July and features dance, music, and a variety of exciting games. This festival gives you the opportunity to hear the sacred sound of a Naga instrument known as the ‘Kongkhim,' which is only played by women.
  • Mim Kut Festival: Mim Kut is a harvest festival celebrated by the Kuki Nagas in various parts of Nagaland and Mizoram. The festival is held after the fruitful harvesting of the season's final crop, maize, also known as Mim in the local language. During the festival, the departed souls are said to visit their families and bless them. During the festival, the departed souls are said to visit their families and bless them. Rice wine, baked bread, new herbs, and even handmade jewellery are prepared in honour of these deceased ancestors.
 
Must Visit Place

Must Visiting Places in Nagaland:

Nagaland, located in the northeastern part of India, is a lovely state that embodies the ancient British Indian culture, as evidenced by the architecture and way of life of the people who live there. is known for its numerous mountains, waterfalls, and lush green forest areas where you can go on an exciting trek while relaxing and chilling while listening to the sound of a gushing waterfall. These top tourist attractions in Nagaland are not to be missed:

  1. Naga Heritage Village- Nagaland, located in the northeastern part of India, is a lovely state that embodies the ancient British Indian culture, as evidenced by the architecture and way of life of the people who live there. is known for its numerous mountains, waterfalls, and lush green forest areas where you can go on an exciting trek while relaxing and chilling while listening to the sound of a gushing waterfall.
  2. Kohima War Cemetery- The Kohima War Cemetery was founded in 1944 to honour and remember those brave souls who died in World War II. Trek through the Garrison Hills to the War Cemetery, which is a monument to British and Japanese soldiers who died in the Burma assault.
  3. Dimapur- Because of the city's airport, it is known as Nagaland's largest and fastest growing city. Most visitors come to this city in transit. Triple Falls, Kachari Ruins, the Nagaland Science Center, and the zoological park are among the few attractions here.
  4. Mokokchung- Mokokchung is one of the most beautiful towns in the country, with its own set of customs and festivals. Mokokchung, Nagaland's liveliest district, is known for the hospitality of the vibrant Ao tribe who call this place home. There are numerous enthralling hills and streams that will leave you speechless.
  5. Dzukou Valley- With its bloom of exotic lilies and carpeted green valleys, the Dzukou Valley, on the border of Manipur and Nagaland, offers beguiling views of nature. The valley is renowned for its rolling hills creations and is another fascinating part of Nagaland tourism, promising a tryst with nature.
  6. Mon- Konyak Nagas tribes claim they are Mon's descendants and live at an altitude of 897.64 metres above sea level. Because of its rich tribal heritage and uphill position, Mon is considered the most enthralling and mystifying town in the entire state of Nagaland. The town is vibrant and alive. If you're visiting this town for a holiday, don't miss out on the nearby attractions of Veda Mountain, Shangnyu Village, Longwa Village, and Chui Village.
Cuisine
Nagaland's cuisine is renowned for its versatility and diversity. It is an important tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery and, most importantly, food. It is one of the major states in India's North Eastern region. Because of their love for the world's most popular king chilly, Naga food is called spicy (known as raja mircha in the North East).
 
Some worth trying dishes are:
  • Smoked Pork in Akhuni: Soya bean, also known as Akhuni or Axone in Naga, is one of the most popular ingredients used in Naga dishes. Akhuni is normally purchased in the form of a powdered cake, which is then added to the dishes. When it comes to this dish, pork stew is made first, then Akhuni is added to give it a distinct flavour.
  • Hinkejvu: Hinkejvu is a simple dish that consists of colocasia, shredded cabbage leaves, mustard leaves, and French beans. The ingredients are cooked in water, and the various greens have the true flavour. A pinch of salt is applied to taste. This dish is something that most Naga families will eat on a regular basis.
  • Samathu: As Axone is mixed in smoked pork, it is transformes into a thick curry with the help of a chilli powder called Samanthu, which is an essential part of the dish because it makes it more gravy-like and spicy. This dish is often cooked in Sema/Sumi homes in Nagaland, and it is the tribe's signature dish. After that, the dish is slowly cooked to add flavour and texture.
  • Amarusu: It is the Ao tribe's signature dish. Amarusu is made with green chillies, ginger, and garlic and is made with ground rice, chicken, and bamboo shoots. It's usually eaten as a comfort food and is really filling.
  • Zutho: This is Nagaland's well-known rice beer. In Nagaland, fermentation is often employed in the preparation of pickles and beverages. One such rice-based fermented drink is Zutho. The Angami Nagas are fond of this whitish, porridge-like beverage.
  • Akini Chokibo: This dish is made by roasting and grinding Perilla seeds, then cooking them with paddy field snails. Axone and a small amount of lard from the pork are also added to the dish as it is cooking.
  • Galho: Galho is the Naga variant of Khichdi, a soupy concoction made from rice, vegetables, or meat. In most cases, it's prepared with seasonal vegetables and pork fat or smoked pork. Galho is cooked with vegetables and garnished with ginger in the vegetarian form.
  • Fish in Bamboo Shoot: Bamboo is another common ingredient. In this dish, the fish is filled inside a bamboo tube with a few spices and smoked over flames, making it one of Nagaland's most unique ways of preparing fish. This helps the flavours to permeate the dish, resulting in a fragrant dish. Another basic dish loved by the Ao community for its flavours is Istuk, which is made with bamboo shoots and herbs.
 
FAQ’s

You can travel to Nagaland to experience a vacation destination and see special heritage sites, abundant wildlife, regional festivals, delectable foods, lovely handicrafts, cultural shopping, appealing locations, attractions, and more.

 

The best time to visit is from October through April. May should also be pleasant if you enjoy the rain
 

The "Land of Festivals" that Nagaland claims to be, hosts a profusion of events every month of the year. The many tribes that live in the state organise these celebrations to honour life in all of its facets. Some of the rare holidays celebrated here are Sekrenyi by the Angami tribe, Moatsu by the Aos when the sowing of the seeds is complete, and Tsokum by the Khayangan tribesmen. Monyu, Ngada, Tokhu Emong, Amongmong, Metemelo, Naknyulem, Tuluni, and Aoling Mongu are more festivities.

 

While foreign tourists don't need any form of permit, Indian nationals must get an Inner Line Permit (ILP) in order to visit Nagaland.

 

Nagaland, like other regions of the country, is proud of its fantastic and distinctive food. Tourists can choose from a variety of different-looking foods that are packed with flavour. Mouthwateringly tasty and in high demand are non-vegetarian food. They usually prepare dishes with pork, including smoked pork and pork cooked with bamboo shoots, both of which are highly well-liked. In the preparation of the dishes, a variety of chilli sauces, including Eel Chilli Sauce and Crab Chilli Sauce, are used frequently. Also, bamboo shoot is commonly found in Naga cuisine.
 

This village, which is 10 km from Kohima, was established specifically to preserve the distinctive culture, language, clothes, and way of life of all the tribes and sub-tribes of Nagaland. This area has been transformed into a tourism and cultural hub and is the site of the renowned Hornbill Festival. It has also evolved into a representation of harmony between the numerous tribes who cooperate for economic advancement and uphold one another's customs. Each of the sixteen great tribes is represented by one of the sixteen groups of residences and halls that make up the complex. Additionally, it features the customary furnishings, decorations, and symbols. This complex also hosts a variety of other sporting events throughout the year, including musical and fashion shows.
 

A four-night trip to Nagaland will serve as an excellent introduction to the United States. The best amount of time to experience walks, treks, and homestays in Nagaland is a week or ten days.

 

Tourists can select from a variety of handcrafted goods in Nagaland that boast a high level of craftsmanship. As a souvenir of the journey to Nagaland, one can purchase cane carpets, woven Naga shawls, bamboo mugs, silk mekhela, cane baskets, home décor items, and ornaments almost.

 

All of Nagaland's festivals are celebrated with a lot of fanfare, but the Kohima Hornbill Festival is the most well-known and popular with visitors. The Hornbill celebration, which takes place in December and is known as the "Festival of Festivals'' since it is the most significant and well-liked celebration in the state, is nothing short of a riot of colours, cultures, dance, music, and mouth watering cuisines. This is a must-do activity if you're visiting Nagaland in the winter because it is enthusiastically celebrated by the native people of the state, including the several local tribes. Tourists are also more than welcome to participate in the celebrations.
 

Tour Itineraries