Culture of Nagaland

Nagas, comprising of 16 important tribes in Nagaland, form the former Naga hill District of Assam and the former Tuensang frontier divisions. Each of the tribes has its own distinctive characteristics, language, customs and dress. Nagas are friendly people with characteristic mongoloid features of high cheekbones and almond shaped eyes and swarthy skins. Colorful outfits with decorated spears and bamboo sheaths wrapped in bearskin make up their appearance. All the 16 tribes have their own distinct dialects, traditional costumes and customs. Naga’s love for music, dance and rich ritualistic ceremonies are well known. You can distinguish a Naga of a higher social hierarchy by the number of bone necklaces he adorns. All these incorporate the Culture of Nagaland.

The culture of a region distinctly speaks of the people, their habitat, their occupation, costumes, art, festivals, customs and songs and dances. It is interesting to note that the Nagas of tribal origin belong to 16 major tribes and sub tribes. Of the most well known are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Kuki, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchungru, Zeliang. Belonging to the Indo-Mongoloid family their main occupation is agriculture. Terrace farming is prevalent in Nagaland where rice is the main food grain.

Festivals

Their festivals are related to their occupation. Rituals are performed as a form of appeasing the nature gods for bestowing them with good harvest. The celebrations prolong over a period of time and are celebrated with great gusto accompanied with traditional songs and dances. Some of the festivals are Horn Bill Festival, Moatsü, Nazu, Sekrenyi, Tuluni,Yemshe, Sankarni, Chakhesang Khilunyie and Rengma Ngadah.

Music and Dance of Nagaland

Music is an important part of the celebrations. Folk songs are replete with legends; they glorify a situation or are sung in praise of some acts of heroism and sometimes relate an important event of the past or interrelate to a love story.
Tribal dances make most of the merriment in these hilly regions. It is spectacular to watch these reserve tribals dance to the rhythmic beats, adorned in colorful Naga outfits with accentuated junk jewelry. Their war dances with mock war like motions are interesting but may even prove to be dangerous if a little careless. Be it the festivals, marriages or harvest time the simple tribal folks break into traditional songs and dances to keep their daily hardships at bay.

Art and Craft

Another important Culture of Nagaland is its art and craft. With bamboo and cane being the major part of its forest growth, the Nagas are highly skilled basket makers. Naga men are skilled in weaving mats with split bamboo.

This beautiful land of abundant natural beauty has immense tourist attraction. The ethnic tribes, their habitat, arts and handicrafts and the locales attract many. Log on to northeastindia.com to know about Culture of Nagaland.