Culture of Mizoram

Mizoram, the land of rolling hills, rivers and lakes perches on the lofty hills of North Eastern corner of India. Mizoram is a storehouse of natural beauty with its endless variety of rich cultural inheritance. The state of Mizoram in India is close to both the Indo-Bangladesh border and the Indo-Myanmar border. The closeness to the numerous international borders has made Mizoram a blend of various tribes that migrated from China, Myanmar and the other parts of the Northeast.

The social and cultural life in the Mizo society has undergone enormous changes over the years. The Mizo people belong to a Mongoloid race associated to the Shaans of Myammar. The Lushai, Hmars, Paithes, Raltes, Pang, Mara, Lakher, Kukis and Pawis of Mizoram are the tribes who were originally the believers of the Pathan (good spirit). With the immigration of the British and consequently the settling of the Christian missionaries in the region, most people got converted to Christianity. Thus, due to the influence of the British in this region, most of the population speaks in English besides Mizo. Mizo is written in Roman script. The nomadic Chakmas practice a curious mix of Hinduism, Buddhism and Animism.

Mizoram is the land of a number of craftsmen and skilled artisans excelling in various crafts. Bamboo and Cane related crafts are a major source of income to the state as well as the people. The Mizo’s dexterity in wicker-work and basketry is well known. Bamboo and Cane have their multifarious uses in turning out various commercial crafts and items of furniture. Even their houses are generally built with bamboo walls and floors and thatched roofs. While women excel at weaving, men are expert at cane and bamboo work. They make fine cane hats and uncommonly beautiful baskets. The traditional Mizo hat is known for its workmanship. It looks as if the hat is woven out of fine bamboo as fine as cotton yarn. Besides their typical hat or caps, domestic baskets are all made from plaited bamboo and these are reinforced by stout cane, which is very hard and durable. By smoking, the cane would be colored a shiny mahogany to give some color and patterns to the work. The traditional crafts of Mizoram are weaving, cane and bamboo work. The Mizo women weave intricate traditional designs and patterns on their looms. For example, the shawls carrying tribal clan motifs woven into them and are passed down the generations. Mizo food is simple, basically made up of lentils, bamboo shoots and fish; pork, chicken and wild game meat and rice are hot favorites. Maize is widely grown and eaten.

The traditional handicrafts of Mizoram include the Khumbeu ceremonial hat that is made of waterproof wild Hnahthial leaves. Other handicrafts include items such as shawls, textiles, bags and fine bamboo.

The Mizo code of ethics or Dharma moved around ‘Tlawmngaihna”, an untranslatable term meaning on the part of everyone to be hospitable, kind, unselfish and helpful to others. To Mizo, Tlawmngaihna stands for the compelling ethical force which finds ethics in self-sacrifice for the service of the others. The Mizos belong to an unconquerable society with no class difference and no discrimination on the grounds of sex. 90% of the total mass in the society are into cultivation and the village seems like a big family. Birth of a child, marriage in the village and death of a person in the village or a community feast organized by a member of the village are prime events in which the whole village takes part. Although the advent of Christianity brought about a big change, the colorful culture of the Mizos has remained intact.

Northeastindiatravel is always at your service providing means to stay better during your holidaying. Keep yourself updated with our guide to Mizoram and find out the most suitable information for you and for your family. We strive to give you the best.