Nagaland

Tradition and Culture of Nagaland:

The state of Nagaland is rich in culture and tradition. The state has many art and craft forms. Different tribes of the state celebrate different festivals with much joy and valour. The people of the region are very much fond of dance and music. Nagaland is a land of diverse tribes and races of people living in harmony. Nagaland is a land of unique culture and traditions. Nagaland is one of the seven north eastern states known for its exquisite bamboo and cane products, weaving and wood carving. The people of Nagaland have a special skill of crafting and making traditional bamboo and cane products. Most of the tribes are engaged in different types of handicraft making including bamboo and cane products.

Fairs and Festivals of Nagaland:

The fairs and festivals in Nagaland is a mirror of the lifestyle of the people of Nagaland. These fairs and festivals attract a large number of visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Some of the major fairs and festivals of Nagaland are:

• Horn Bill Festival: Nagaland is also known as the land of festivals with one festival followed by another round the year. To promote this festivals and to have a glimpse of all the Naga festivals at one time and one place for the tourist, the Government of Nagaland Tourism has started this festival known as Tourism Hornbill Festival, which is celebrated at Kohima, the capital town of Nagaland, celebrated between 1st & 5th of December every year. The main aim of Hornbill Tourism Festival of Nagaland is reviving, protecting and sustaining richness of the Naga heritage and traditions which is done through cultural extravaganza worth experiencing. 
• Moatsu Tribal Festival: It is celebrated every year in the first week of May for three days from 1st to 3rd of May by the Moatsu Festival by the Ao tribe of Nagaland. The Aos observe Moatsü Mong after the sowing is done. Sangpangtu is one of the symbolic celebration during this festival, where a big fire is lit and men and women sit around it on the complete best traditional dress and the women folk serve the wine and meat.
• Nazu Festival: This festival is celebrated for 10 days in the month February before the sowing of seeds for the year by the Pochury tribe of Nagaland with great zeal and interest. During this festival Songs and dances are performed by the Pochury tribe. Khupielilie dance is one of them performed by the women folk of the Pochury tribe. It is more entertaining and competitive than ritualistic. 
• Sekrenyi Festival: The festival of Sekrenyi is celebrated by Angamis Tribe of Nagaland in India in the month of February which normally falls in the 25th day of the Angami month of "Kezei". This 10 day festival of Sekrenyi is also called Phousnyi by the Angamis.
• Tuluni Festival Tour: Tuluni Festival is the most important festival of the Sumi Nagas in Nagaland.
• Yemshe Festival: It is celebrated by the Pochury tribe of Nagaland, who eagerly  awaits for the month of October every year to celebrate their greatest festival, which marks the arrival of the new harvest. All the Pouchuries, young and old, rich and poor ceremonialize this festival with great pomp and show expecting a good harvest which they deserve after a year’s hard work under stewing sun and relentless rain. No one is allowed to harvest, until the whole festival is over. 

Must Visiting Places In Nagaland:

Kohima: The capital of Nagaland, is one of the major attractions in the state. Kohima has scenic views to offer. Trekkers will love the place as there is enormous scope for trekking and camping. Here are the top destinations in Kohima:

Japfu Peak
Dzukou Valley
Shilloi Lake
State Museum
World War II Cemetery

Dimapur: It is the major tourist destination of Nagaland as it is the Gateway to Nagaland and is also the commercial center of the state. While nature lovers are thrilled by the scenic landscape of the place, history lovers are attracted to the 10th century Kachari ruins found here. Given below are some of the leading destinations here:

Chumukedima Village
Dimapur Jain Temple
The Kachari Ruins
Diezephe Craft Village
Sumi Town Baptist Church
Nagaland Zoological Park

Mokokchung: It is one of the most important districts in the state and the cultural and intellectual capital of Nagaland. It is famous for its scenic hills and the musical sounds of the running streams. Here are some leading destinations in Mokokchung:

Changkikong Range
Langpangkong Caves
Fusen Kei and Mongzu Ki Caves
Changtongya
Mokokchung Village
 

Wokha: It is the home of the Lotha tribe and one can experience the rural life over here. It is abundant in fruits like pineapples, oranges and plums and the best part of it is that they are grown using organic methods and hence free of pesticides. Nature lovers will love strolling along the paths that lead to the forests around. Here are some top destinations in Wokha:

Mount Tiyi
Tehurang Valley
Baghty Valley
Doyang River
Doyang Hydro Project

Mon: It is one of the most beautiful places in Nagaland that has rich tribal heritage. It is famous for nature lovers’ as one can have the view of spectacular landscapes and Assam plains which are viewed from here. You would love visiting the following tourist attractions in Mon:

Veda Peak
Shangnyu Village
Naganimora
Chui Village
Longwa Village

Phek: It is famous for its natural beauty because of its Rich in flora and scenic landscapes. Majestic mountains and picturesque lakes just take your breath away. Here are some top destinations in Phek:

Zanibu Peak
Dzudu Lake
Pfutsero
Peripheries of Pfutsero Town
Shilloi Lake

Kiphire: Kiphire is located on the highest Peak Mountain Sabarmati, the, lies, the small town of Kiphire district. To its east is Myanmar. It is famous for adventure lovers who can enjoy trekking, canoeing and rafting over here as it has has some of the best awe-inspiring landscapes. Here are the top destinations in Kiphire:

Saramati Peak
Caves of Salomi
Caves of Mimi
Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary
Wawade Waterfall

Cuisines of Nagaland:

The Nagas eat anything that moves. They do not even spare insects and worms. But what they relish most is the meat of wild animals. Warriors as they are by nature, the Nagas love hunting, and the meat of wild animal fills them with great delight. Rice is their staple food, which is taken with meat. The meat is mostly pork, beef and chicken, but it can also be snakes, snails, rats, squirrels, dogs, cats, mithuns, buffaloes, deer, spiders, birds, crabs, monkeys, bee larvae, shrimps, red ants, and almost everything that is wild. Elephants included. No part of an animal is wasted — even blood, skin and intestines are eaten.