Nagaland Festivals have a vibrant and rich cultural heritage. It is a land of numerous festivals. The state of Nagaland is inhabited by 16 main tribes. These include the Kukis, Angamis, Changs, Konyaks, Aos, Kacharis, Sumis, Chakhesangs, Lothas, Pochurys and others. Each of these tribes has their own unique and stellar and indigenous culture, customs, tradition and festivals. This article lists some of the Culture and Festivals of Nagaland celebrates throughout the year.
Famous Culture and Festivals of Nagaland with Images:
Let we have to look at the ancient festivals of Nagaland.
Horn Bill Festival:
The Horn Bill Festival of Nagaland is a tourist attraction that attracts people from all over the country and abroad. It represents the multi cultural colours of this northeast Indian state. This festival starts in the first week of December every year. It then goes on for a week. The name of the festival is after the horn bill bird. This name is symbolic as the bird has a strong impact in the native folklore and culture of the tribal communities that live in the state. On this day, troupes of the various tribes of Nagaland participate in the traditional dances. They sing folk songs, play musical instruments, and engage in a variety of sports and activities of the kind.
Various traditional forms of art are exhibited as a part of this festival. This includes wood carvings, paintings, sculptures and bamboo works by traditional Naga artists. The festival then continues until the evening which is when then multiple musical concerts are held. This festival helps to unite the diverse cultures of the tribes of Nagaland.
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The Government of Nagaland under the tourism department decided to hold the common festival in the year 2000 for cultural unity and to facilitate tourists to see all the Naga festivals at once, that is, at the same time in the same place. The Horn Bill Festival is traditionally celebrated at the capital town of Nagaland, Kohima. The Festival aims to conserve, revive, and sustain the natural habitat and richness of the Naga culture and heritage.
Moatsu Festival:
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The Moatsu Festival is celebrated by the Ao tribe in Nagaland. It is celebrated in the first week of May every year. On this festival, a number of traditional rituals are performed. Seeds are sown in the paddy fields by the men of this tribe. After the seeds are sown, the Ao tribe observes Moatsu Mong. The main aim of this Moatsu festival is to seek the blessings of Almighty God after a new harvest, or marriage, or cleaning building construction repair or other activities of the type. To celebrate this holy occasion, rice-beer is made and feasts are cooked by slaughtering the best of pigs and cows on this occasion.
The womenfolk and men folk engage themselves in drinking, eating, dancing, and singing folk and warrior songs. This festival glorifies the bravery, courage and gallantry of the ancient folk heroes that they sing of. The people celebrate the Moatsu festival by singing folk songs, playing musical instruments and engaging dances. The festival is annually observed for three days. This lasts from the 1st of May to the 3rd of May. Sangpangtu is observed during the festival. It is a symbolic celebration. When observing Sangpangtu, men and women of the various tribes sit around a bonfire that is lit. The Ao tribal men and women adorn themselves in their traditional attire. The womenfolk of the tribe take care of hospitality. They serve the meat and the wine.
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Thus, these festivals expose the true vibrancy of culture of the state of Nagaland. They seek to unite the various tribes and promote harmony and goodwill among all.
Images Source: 1, 2.
