Nagaland
It
is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of mouth.
Here, music is an integral part of life. By nature Nagas are lovers of fun
and frolic and here life is one long festival. The Nagas with their joie de
vivre, dance and songs are a part and parcel of all their festivities. Most
of their dances are performed with a robust rhythm. This is an affluent
fashion station of the East.
Blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year, one can visit it
anytime. If one is looking for a quiet getaway, from the hustle and bustle
of city life, it provides the right ambience, as life here is laid-back and
slow.
Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland. Sometimes referred to as the
'Switzerland of the East' it has exquisite picturesque landscapes, vibrant
colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora. This is a land that
represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a breath taking
experience.
For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is an ideal place for
trekking, rock climbing, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration
possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which are
also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants. The major tourist
attractions in Nagaland include the Second World War cemetery, State Museum
and Zoo that are located in the capital city of Kohima.
Main Cities /
Towns
Kohima , the capital city of
Nagaland
The capital city of Nagaland
with the magnificent view of the rugged Naga Hills offers interesting things
to do. It was a witness to the fierce fight during the Second World War and
the war cemetery; a serene stretch land of manicured greens carries an
engraved epitaph, which says, “When you go home/ Tell them of us and say/
For your tomorrow/ We gave our today”. Interesting is the next most
important place in Kohima, Barra Basti, the second largest village in Asia.
Typical of a Naga village it has the gateway decorated elaborately with
warriors and weapons and the mithun skull, a symbol of prosperity. In the
middle of the village is a house built in the typical Naga style with
crossed horns, carved mithun heads, a huge grain basket and a manger
containing rice beer. The State Museum and the Catholic Cathedral are the
other important tourist attractions in Kohima.
Tourist attraction in Nagaland
Khoma -
Situated at an altitude of 1495 m above sea level is the capital of
Nagaland. Kohima hosts the five days Hornbill Festival, which showcases the
cultures of all of Naga tribes from December 1-5 every year. The State
Museum has a rare collection of artifacts of the different tribes which
inhabit the state. A must see for getting an idea of the people’s lives.
War Cemetery
- The
well maintained War Cemetery was constructed in memory of the officers and
men who made supreme sacrifices during World War II. On each grave there are
beautiful epitaphs engraved in bronze.
Khonoma Village -
This
Angami village, which lies 20 km west of Kohima was known for its fighting
prowess in the past. It is also known for the fallow management of its alder
trees, which balances nature in the surrounding areas. The beautiful
terraces that are carved out of the hill slopes surrounding the village are
a sight to behold. These terraces grow over 20 types of paddy at different
elevations.
Tuophema Village -
This
village which is 41 km from Kohima is a model village for common Angami
Sekrenyi festival which is celebrated during February 25-27 every year.
Sekrenyi is a festival of purification and revolves round rituals and
ceremonies of cleansing the village well.
Mokokchung -
This picturesque town is the cultural center of the AO Nagas. The main
festival of the Aos are Moatsu, celebrated during the first week of May
(1-3) every year. There are Ao villages near Mokokchung which is worth
visiti.
UNGMA the biggest Ao village, according to legend the early Aos settled here
first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and
can be interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklores,
customs and traditions.
Longkhum -
Situated
at an altitude of 5500 ft. above sea level. The Aos have a belief that
Longkhum is the resting place of the spirit of the dead on their onward
journey to paradise. As the local legend goes a single visit to Longkhum is
not enough……for you have to return to the village again to collect your
soul, which had stayed on your first visit.
Mon -
The
headquarters and home of the Konyaks, old Konyak men often have elaborate
facial tattoos and wear adornments made from boar teeth and animals horns.
Konyaks are ruled by hereditary chiefs known as Anghs and the institution of
Anghship is only prevalent among the Konyaks. The most colourful festival of
the Konyaks is ‘Aoling Monyu’ which is celebrated in the month of April (1-
6) every year.
Longwa Village -
The
village straddles the international boundary line, falls within the Indian
Territory and the other half lies in Myanmar. However the whole village is
controlled by the Angh and the village council chairman.
Kiphire
- Home to
the Sangtams, Yimchungers and Sumis. It is situated at an altitude of 896.42
meters above sea level and is 254 km from state capital Kohima. Saramati the
highest peak of Nagaland at 3, 841 meters is situated in this district.
Tuensang -
It is
mini Nagaland, home to six different tribes. The tribes inhabiting the
district are rich in cultural heritage and their dresses are very colourful.
Their dances are rhythmic and songs are heartwarming. This area is also
known for its handicrafts and handloom products.
Permits -
Permits
are essential for traveling to Nagaland. Indian tourists wishing to visit
Nagaland require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) valid for 10 days and Foreign
Tourists require Protected Area Permit (PAP) valid for a maximum stay of 10
days. Permits can be extended.
Fairs and Festivals of Nagaland
Nagaland have been known to the other
states and outside India by their ethnic tribal culture. All the distinctive
features turns into a feast whenever the religious, spiritual and musical
aspects of each festival comes into play. The variety of festivals is due to
the existence of various tribes in the state.
Sekreyi (February) - The festival of Sekreyi is celebrated in the
month of February by the Angami tribals. The ten-day festival is also called
Phousanyi by the Angamis.
Aoling Monyu (March) - By the end of March, Aoling Monyu festival is
celebrated by the Konyaks tribe and it stretches for six days. The festival
marks the end of winter of the previous year and heralds the New Year
beginning with spring.
Moatsu - The Aos observe Moatsu after the sowing is done. Stretching
over a period of six days, the festival is marked by vigorous merry-making
after the hard labour of farming.
Naknyulum (July) - Celebrated during the first week of July,
Naknyulum is the festival of the Chang Nagas celebrated for a period of six
days. The Chang decorate their houses with a special kind of tree, the
Ngunam.
Tuluni (July) - The Tuluni is held in the month of July and is the
most important festival of the Semas. The festival is marked by the prayers
and offerings to Litsaba - the deity of fruitfulness who gives life and
protection to the crops.
Hornbill Festival (December) - The Hornbill festival is celebrated
every year at Kohima from the first to fifth of December.
Metemneo (December) - The Yimchungers celebrate the Metemneo festival
after the millet crop is harvested. This festival is dedicated mainly for
the souls of the departed.
Tsokum(October) - The Khiamgans celebrate the festival of Tsokum in
the month of October, which is also associated with harvesting.
Amongmong (September) - The Sangtams celebrate Amongmong in the first
week of September when the new crop is ready for harvesting. The main
feature of the festival is the worship of the God of the house and the three
cooking stones in the fireplace.
Tokhu Emong - Tokhu Emong is celebrated by the Lothas once the
harvesting is over and the granaries are full.
Ngada (November/December) - Ngadaisan annual celebration of the
Rwengma Nagas observed towards the end of November / December. It is
believed that during this festival, the spirits of the dead visit their
graves and the homes of their relatives.
Monyu (April) - Monyu is celebrated by the Phoms after the sowing of
paddy every year, from the first to third of April.
Christmas (December) - Christmas is celebrated throughout the state
as almost all of the people are Christians. This is definitely a pleasant
time of the year as the people gather in churches, sing gospels and rejoice
on everything. Though the Christmas is on 25th of December, the whole month
exudes pomp and festive spirit.
---- Click here for Booking ----
•
