Northeast India has more than 200 ethnic communities with about 220 languages. One such ethnic group in the region is Nagas which covers a number of tribes that reside in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states of India, and also in Myanmar. As per one authority on Nagas S. R. Tohring, in his book has listed almost 66 tribes while the 2011 census has listed 35 tribes. With so much of ethnic diversity within 16,579 sq km, it is one of the most intriguing destinations in India.

Best time to visit Nagaland

The best time to visit Nagaland is definitely during the winter months from November to March as a number of festivals are held during this time in Nagaland, which showcases the ethnic tribal diversity of this Indian state.

Hornbill Festival

One of the most popular festivals in this part of India is the Hornbill Festival, which takes place from the1-10 December every year. It is one of the biggest festivals that take place in Kisama village near Kohima with music concerts now being held in Dimpur, which lies in the plains of India along the border of the Indian state of Assam. The significance of the festival lies in the fact that it is not an ethnic tribal festival but showcases almost all the Naga tribal culture with food, dance & music along with handicrafts and handloom. The best time to visit this festival is either the first three days or the last three days.

Upcoming dates: 1st-10th December 2021

Book a tour to attend Hornbill Festival 2021

Dancers at the Hornbill Festival

Sekrenyi Festival

To get to know the Angami Nagas its best to visit during the time of Sekrenyi festival, known locally as Phousanyi, in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland. It is observed for ten days from the 25th day of the Angami calendar month of "Kezei" (usually corresponding to 25 February in the Gregorian calendar). It is a "purification festival" held to wash off all past sins.

Angami tribal dance

Kuki Festival

Another tribal festival in this part of India is the Kuki Festival known as Mimkut which is celebrated in the second week of January. This religious festival is celebrated to honor and please the demon ‘Thilha’. January is known as the month of Tolbol by the Kukis, and as the lore says that the demon ‘Thilha’ visits their place during Tolbol, and hence, the festival is celebrated. The best time to visit is again in January at Peren, Nagaland.

Tokhu Emong

The Lotha tribe has a harvest festival known as ‘Tokhu Emong” which is celebrated during the first week of November. The Lotha community celebrates this festival with singing, dancing, drinking, and feasting and generally has a glorious time among them. The significance of the festival is to celebrate ‘rest day’ since their harvest is over and they are ready for the winter. The main festivities are in the town of Wokha in the Indian state of Nagaland.

Nagaland tour packages