Nagaland Culture, and Tradition that you should know befor visiting

Nagaland, located on the northeastern side of India. Also called “The Switzerland of the East”. Nagaland is found in a narrow strip of mountainous areas. In +between the Brahmaputra Valley and Burma. Here is some info about Nagaland Culture, and Tradition.

Religion

Nagaland is also known as “the only Baptist state in the world”. Christianity is the major religion in the state. Around 98% of Naga people are Christian. Only 7.7% are Hindu along with 0.5% are Muslims.

Culture

Nagaland is a mixture of many tribes. Along with sub-tribe groups. The social structure of tribe groups is different from one to another. Their customs, festivals, and beliefs make them different. They have a rich cultural heritage.

You can find 16 main tribes residing. In Angami, Au, Chakseng, Chang, Dimasa Kachari, Khianyugam, Konyak, Lotha. Along with Foam, Rengma, Sangatam, Sumi, Yimchunger Kuki, and Jeliang. The Konyak, Angami, Aos, Lothas, and Sumi are the largest Naga, tribes. Some tribes living in the rural part of Nagaland has preserved the old customs along with the rituals. They are friendly in behavior and hard-working people. Nagaland Culture, and Tradition.

Cuisine

Rice is the main food. Eaten along with meat or vegetables. Naga people are like eating chili and semus. Since rice is the main carbohydrate in their food. They prefer boiled vegetable dishes along with a meat dish.

Dried/smoked meat has an important role in the cuisine. They try the meat of every variety of animals and birds. Along with some pork, chicken, beef, fish, cats, dog, birds, crabs, spiders, and many more. Also, the fish rice, bamboo shoot fry, and roasted duck are some of the common food items.

The food is spicy as they use different varieties of chilies. Along with a lot of ginger and garlic.

Costume

People like rainbow designs. The traditional costumes seem very attractive and colorful. The shawls are very popular in their traditional dresses. The shawl design shows the social status of the person.

The costume of the Zemei women is white-colored clothes and skirts. Along with a very narrow black and red border. The casual costume of a dress of Angami women is a petticoat called ‘Neikhro’. Along a sleeveless top called ‘Vatchi’, a white skirt called ‘Pfemhou’.

Ao women wear a skirt that is one and a quarter meters long. Along with two-thirds of the meter is draped around the waist. Ao skirts involve ‘Azu jangnup su’, which is red and yellow-black stripes. Along with the ‘Ngami su’ or fishtail skirt. And finally, the ‘Yongzujangau’ or cucumber seed skirt, woven in red on a black base. Nagaland Culture, and Tradition.

Dance and Music

Music and dance are important parts of the state. There are feasts, dancing, and cheerfulness at every festival. Folk songs, beauty, love, and generosity are shown from generations. The dance is performed in groups. It is perfectly matched with music. With musical instruments such as Asem (drums), Tati, Mouth Organ, Bamboo Flute, etc.

This dance practice becomes more colorful and vibrant with their unique jewelry and costumes. Their folk songs tell the story of bravery, historic incidents, along romance.

Fair and Festival

The festivals are related to agriculture. People gather and celebrate festivals. The people participate in the festival.

Some important festivals such as Sekrenyi, Moatsu, Tokku Angoma, and Tulani. They also started the Hornibal festival in 2000. This festival is held every year from 1 to 7 December. This Hornbill festival here is named after the bird Hornibal.

You can see various painstaking work, tunes, moves. Along with the traditions of Nagaland in this festival. The celebration is done by all the significant clans of Nagaland and the society of Naga people. Nagaland Culture, and Tradition.

Art and Craft

The people of Nagaland are experts in making handicraft products. Like bamboo work, woodcarving, blacksmithy, and pottery. Some cottage industries like woodwork, weaving are a source of revenue for people.

Nagaland is known for shawls weaving with special patterns. You can see the wood carving in Wanchoo, Konyak, and Phom tribes. While the pottery is done with sticky plastic light brown clay. Blacksmithy crafts are also popular.