Nagaland

Nagaland is a lovely state in India's far northeast. To the east lies Myanmar, to the west is Assam, to the north is Arunachal Pradesh and a section of Assam, and to the south is Manipur. With its stunningly picturesque environment, rich flora and fauna, rich traditional and cultural legacy, and tranquil ambience, Nagaland is one of India's most colourful states.

Because it is home to tribes who are passionately protective of their culture and identity, Nagaland is another synonym for beauty and richness. Colorful clothing, spicy foods, nice weather, traditional villages, exquisite dance forms, and lyrical songs characterise Nagaland, a state in northeast India.

Nagaland, the land of the warrior Naga clan, has 16 officially recognised tribes, each with its own customs and rituals, which are represented in festivals that revolve around agricultural cycles. These events are visually stunning and are marked by song and dancing.

The area promises to delight art enthusiasts and history fans on a cultural tour to Nagaland. The Naga people's kindness will surround you and make you want to visit the state again and again! Japfu Peak, Dzukou Valley, and Shilloi Lake are just a few examples of sites where visitors can experience nature's abundance in Nagaland.
 

Main Attractions

Nagaland is a charming state in northeastern India that embodies historic British Indian culture, as seen 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 may go on an exhilarating hike while relaxing and chilling while listening to a flowing waterfall.

It was established in 1944 to honour and remember those heroic individuals who lost their lives during World War II. Trek across the Garrison Hills to the War Cemetery, which serves as a memorial to British and Japanese soldiers who perished during the Burma invasion.

Dimapur is Nagaland's largest and fastest expanding city, thanks to the city's airport. The majority of visitors arrive in this city on their way somewhere else. Among the few attractions here are Triple Falls, Kachari Ruins, the Nagaland Science Center, and the zoological park.

It is one of the country's most attractive towns, with its own set of rituals and festivals. The vivacious Ao tribe who dwell in Mokokchung, Nagaland's liveliest area, are noted for their friendliness. There are various captivating slopes and streams that will take your breath away.

The Dzukou Valley, on the border of Manipur and Nagaland, offers captivating vistas of nature with its bloom of exotic lilies and carpeted green valleys. The valley is known for its rolling hills and is another intriguing element of Nagaland tourism that promises a close encounter with nature.

Khonoma Green Village offers clean air, a peaceful climate, beautiful green mountains, vast agricultural areas, and an undisturbed ecology. Village shelters are built by the Angami people from renewable and repurposed materials. The bulk of these tribes farm and make a living spinning and weaving handlooms. This village is a real example of what a community can accomplish when everyone pitches in.

The Konyak Nagas tribes, who dwell at an altitude of 897.64 metres above sea level, claim to be Mon's ancestors. Mon is regarded as the most captivating and mysterious town in the entire state of Nagaland due to its rich tribal heritage and highland location. The town is alive and well. If you're in town for a vacation, don't miss Veda Mountain, Shangnyu Village, Longwa Village, and Chui Village, which are all close by.

Phek, with its stunning surroundings and perfect elegance, becomes your favourite destination as soon as you arrive. Phek, which is encircled by rivers and lakes, gives a relaxing escape with its soothing beauty and scenic surroundings. It's a favourite resort for individuals looking for peace and quiet, as well as honeymooners. Khezakeno, a heritage site, is a good place to go if you want to learn more about the region's culture.

Tradition & Culture

Nagaland is rich in flora and fauna, and it is home to some of the world's most unique plants and animals, not to mention the magnificent birds. Because of its rich bird population, Nagaland is recognised as the "Falcon Capital of the World." Nagaland is known for its vibrant tribal culture, which dazzles and delights visitors.

On the island, there are 16 different tribes, each with their own distinct culture. More than 80% of the population lives in rural, secluded villages, where people continue to practise centuries-old rituals and practises. The Nagas of Nagaland are thought to be Indo-mongoloid in origin, a race that first appeared 10 centuries ago.

Nagaland has its own unique culture and way of life. Bamboo and cane items, as well as weaving and wood carving, are all popular in Nagaland. Some of the most important works of art and crafts include basketry, weaving, woodcarving, pottery, metalwork, jewellery, and beadwork. Nagaland's culture is centred on dancing and music. It is home to many different tribes and races, which has resulted in a wide range of traditional dances and melodies. Folk songs and melodies accompanied by traditional instruments differentiate Nagaland's music.

The dress code also varies from tribe to tribe. The primary dress of Nagaland tribes is shawls and skirts. The most common clothes worn by Angami women are a petticoat called neikhro, a sleeveless top called vatchi, and a white skirt called pfemhou. Women wear white clothing and skirts with a narrow black and red border, while men wear a black kilt with a very narrow black and red border. These are further embellished with cowrie and bead lines. Various styles of shawls are worn by different people in Nagaland. Rongsu shawls are exclusively worn by famous warriors, whereas Rongkhim are only worn by those who have a proud Mithun sacrifice heritage.
 

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs and Festivals of Nagaland:

Nagaland is a state in India's north-eastern area that is recognised for its mesmerising scenic beauty as well as a number of important festivals. Nagaland's lovely Hornbill Festival, which takes place every year, may perhaps be familiar to you. But did you know that Nagaland also boasts a slew of additional celebrations that aren't just for Nagaland residents?

  • Hornbill Festival- Named after Nagaland's official bird, the Hornbill, this festival is meant to showcase the state's spirit and cultural diversity. The Hornbill Festival is also known as the "festival of festivals" because of its grandeur and joyful beauty. The event was initially hosted by the Naga government in the year 2000 to promote inter-tribal cooperation. Among the attractions of this extravagant celebration of culture are regional specialties, ethnic dance performances, sales of native artwork (paintings, sculptures, and wooden carvings), sports, and religious services. The Hornbill International Rock Festival, which offers performances by artists from all around India and beyond, is part of this ostensibly cultural gathering. It lasts seven days every year, from December 1 to December 7. Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, a village 12 kilometres outside of Kohima, the capital city, hosts the festival.

 

  • Sekrenyi- In February, the Angami tribe celebrates Sekrenyi, which falls on the 25th day of the Angami month of Kezei. It's a ten-day purifying and sanctification event in Kohima Village, Khonoma, and Tuophema that includes feasting and singing (originally before going to war).

 

  • Tsukheneye- Tsukheneye is a Nagaland event celebrated by the Chakhesang tribe and held largely in the Phek area. Because it corresponds with the harvesting of their crops, this celebration is well-known among them. It is always held in the month of March. The festival lasts four days and is preceded with a ceremonial river purifying bath.

 

  • Aoleng Celebration- The Konyak Naga tribe in Nagaland's Mon district hosts the Aoleng festival every year in the first week of April. The Aoling or Aoleng festival heralds the spring season and is based on agrarian customs. The Konyak Naga tribe is notorious for their headhunting habit and may be found across much of Mon and even Myanmar.

 

  • Moatsu Festival- The Ao tribe's tribal groups celebrate Moatsu Festival every year in the first week of May. The festival takes place once the seed has been sown.

 

  • Naknyulem Event- The Chang tribe holds a fun-filled festival called Naknyulem. Honoring not only friendship but also the tribe's culture and heritage is emphasised. Dance, music, and a range of interesting games are featured at the festival, which takes place in July. The sacred sound of a Naga instrument known as the "Kongkhim," which is only performed by women, can be heard at this festival.

 

  • Mim Kut Festival- The Kuki Nagas celebrate Mim Kut, a harvest festival, in various parts of Nagaland and Mizoram. After a successful harvest of the season's final crop, maize, also known as Mim in the local language, the festival is held. The departed souls are thought to visit and bless their family during the celebration. The departed souls are thought to visit and bless their family during the celebration. In honour of these departed ancestors, rice wine, baked bread, new herbs, and even handmade jewellery are created.
     

Cuisines

Cuisines

The cuisine of Nagaland is known for its complexity and uniqueness. It is a popular tourist destination due to its stunning environment and, most importantly, delicious cuisine. It is one among India's most populous states in the North Eastern area. Naga food is known as hot because of their passion for the world's most popular king chilly (known as raja mircha in the North East).

Some of the most well-known dishes are listed below:

  • Hinkejvu- It is a simple dish made up of colocasia, shredded cabbage leaves, mustard leaves, and French beans. The components are cooked in water, and the flavours of the various greens are authentic. To taste, a pinch of salt is added. This is a dish that almost all Naga families eat on a regular basis.
  • Samathu- When Axone is mixed with smoked pork, it becomes a thick curry with the help of a chilli powder called Samanthu, which is an important ingredient of the recipe since it gives it a gravy-like consistency and makes it hot. This is the tribe's hallmark meal, and it is frequently served in Sema/Sumi houses in Nagaland. The dish is then cooked slowly to enhance flavour and texture.
  • Amarusu- This is the signature meal of the Ao tribe. Ground rice, chicken, and bamboo shoots are used to make amarusu, which is cooked with green chillies, ginger, and garlic. It's typically consumed as a comfort food and is extremely satisfying.
  • Zutho- Nagaland's well-known rice beer is Zutho. Fermentation is commonly used in the preparation of pickles and beverages in Nagaland. Zutho is a rice-based fermented beverage. This white, porridge-like beverage is popular among the Angami Nagas.
  • Akini Chokibo- Perilla seeds are roasted and ground before being cooked with paddy field snails in this recipe. During the cooking process, axone and a small bit of pork fat are added to the dish.
  • Galho- It is a Naga version of Khichdi, a soupy dish prepared from rice, veggies, or meat. It's usually made with seasonal veggies and either pork fat or smoked pork. In its vegetarian form, galho is made with vegetables and topped with ginger.
  • Bamboo Shoot with Fish: Another typical component is bamboo. The fish is stuffed into a bamboo tube with a few spices and smoked over flames in this meal, making it one of Nagaland's most unusual fish preparations. This allows the flavours to permeate the food, making it aromatic. Istuk, a simple dish prepared with bamboo shoots and herbs, is another flavorful dish popular among the Ao community.

Excursion

Shopping

It's difficult not to admire the outstanding talent of combining traditional components into contemporary day fashion, creating your own statement, and pulling it off with striking elan — a style that most locals appear to have mastered. This is reflected in the abundance of tribal/folk-inspired indigenous jewellery, handloom, and handicrafts that abound in this unmistakable paradise.

  • Hong Kong Market, Dimapur- This market is popular for fashionable apparel, footwear, accessories, and even gadgets. Imported from Myanmar or Thailand, you may get your hands on foreign items at rock-bottom prices. When secondhand items are sold, they are still in good shape. Winter skirts, trousers, pullovers, trench coats, handbags, and a variety of accessories, from battle boots to playful heels, are all available at discounted costs.

 

  • New Market, Dimapur- This market sells a wide range of things, from kitchenware to clothing to gadgets, that are required in our everyday lives. 90% of our requirements are met by this Market. People who live in Dimapur or visit the city from other areas of India may be able to find their things or products in this market.

 

  • The Central Market, Kohima- It is well-known for selling traditional Naga dishes. The eggs or larvae of a hornet are edible and sold in this nation as "borol" or "wriggling hornet grubs."

 

  • Kohima's Tibetan Market- When it comes to shopping, Nagaland's capital, Kohima, is a hilly city with plenty of alternatives. From charity stores to high-end showrooms, there's something for everyone. The Tibetan Market is worth mentioning because it is a lively area with stylish yet reasonable goods.

 

  • The Handicraft and Handloom Emporium, Kohima- It is a government-run organisation aimed at developing the area's cottage businesses. Shawls, coats, sweaters, ornate spears, bamboo baskets, belts, and other Naga handmade items can be found here. The crimson, black, and white tsungkotepsu of the Ao naga tribe from Kohima attracts a large number of clients.
     

Things To Do

Getting There

By Air – Dimapur, Nagaland's main city, is home to the state's primary domestic airport. It now has excellent connections to major east coast airports like Guwahati and Kolkata. Airlines such as Air India, Indigo, and Go Air operate daily flights to and from Dimapur. The state capital, Kohima, is 72 kilometres away and can be accessed by bus or cab.

By Railway – Dimapur has a railway station on the main line of the North East Frontier Railway. Many trains run between the two stations on a regular basis, making it well connected to Guwahati.

By Road – Nagaland State Transport Services connects the state's major towns and villages by road (NST). From Dimapur to Guwahati, Shillong, and Mokokchung, Night Deluxe service is also provided. Through national and state roadways, Nagaland is well connected to the rest of the country. A variety of cabs operate between Dimapur and Kohima. Night buses connect Dimapur and Kohima to Guwahati and Shillong (Meghalaya).

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