25/12/2022
NAGALAND — The most vibrant of eight Northeast Indian states, is home to 16 hospitable tribes and other sub-tribes, each distinctively different from the other in terms of tradition, customary practices, language and attire. But all bound by a unique identity — NAGA
Although Christianity is the predominant religion here, yet each tribe of Nagaland annually celebrates its respective traditional festival connected one way or the other with sowing, post sowing or harvesting.
The roots of these festivals go back to the ancient times when isolated villages on unforgiving hill-tops existed as independent city-states and head-hunting others from hostile villages around was order of the day.
When maintaining discipline and balance within the self-contained society was a chief’s full time job.
Imagine the animistic Naga forefathers diligently and fearfully worshiping the mysterious spirits.
Imagine the wonder of their efforts to live in complete harmony with nature, which played very integral part in the destiny of their routine lives. Those were the times that gave birth to a lot many rituals, sacrifices, merry making and war dances — practices that eventually galvanised into festivals.
Festival of Festivals — Hornbill Festival
A 21st century creation of Nagaland is the Hornbill Festival, an event which is now getting known globally.
During Hornbill, which takes place from 1st December to 10th December, the entire Naga culture is showcased in full splendor in the Kisama village of Kohima district.
The government of Nagaland welcomes one and all to this mega event for a preview of what the state has to offer in terms of culture, traditions, tourism interest and industry.