The land of festivals is a bonafide tag given to Nagaland by the people and it is rightly so since this Northeastern state is blessed with a melange of festivals that have been carried out since the animistic days.

One thing I miss about Nagaland is their festivals. It is an ongoing fiesta where one celebration follows another. Completely different from other festivals we see in mainland India, it will leave you surprised and probably wanting to see more. The festivals in Nagaland include unique dances, colourful attire from head to toe, mystic music, and songs that have been carried out from one generation to another. And the irresistible food, garnished with local herbs and spices, will give a certain satisfaction to your heart’s desire as you simultaneously savour the food.  

Even the festivals in Nagaland are symbolic, giving significance to their culture, and folklore of 16 major tribal communities living in Nagaland. The following are the tribes found in Nagaland - Ao, Angami, Chakhesang, Chang,  Kuki, Kachari, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Yimchunger, and Zeme-Liangmai (Zeliang). 

Each of these tribes has its own traditions and customs, even local dialects. Since Nagaland was animistic before the introduction of Christianity in the mid-19th-century by the British, many festivals revolve around nature. This is one factual reason that makes the festivals in Nagaland unique. The state is predominantly agriculture-based; hence, the people of Nagaland even today mainly worship the god of the forest to make the soil fertile for sowing and harvesting. These festivities entailed community bonding time and it is practised even today in various festivals where people come together and carry out the traditions started by their ancestors.

If you want to witness such enthralling events, which have the whole state preparing for days, then let me suggest some local festivals you have to attend while travelling to Nagaland. 

Tour package: Naga tribal tour

Festive attrire, Nagaland

10 Unique Festivals of Nagaland

1. Mimkut

This is one of the major harvest festivals celebrated by the Kuki tribe in the district of Peren. It is celebrated for around a week starting from the 17th day of the Kuki month called Tolbol. Based on folklore, the Mimkut festival is celebrated to appease Thilha, the demon god, by offering rituals and prayer. 

Festival Date: January 17

2. Sukrunyi and Tsukhenye

These festivals are celebrated by the Chakhesang tribe in the district of Phek. The first festival, Sukrunyi, is the most important festival where the youth are sanctified through ceremonies and local rituals. This festival usually lasts for 11 days. The four-day Tsukhenye festival involves elders sacrificing a rooster to the god in return for a good harvest, prosperity, and longevity. On the first day of the festival, men participate in a purification ritual. 

Festival Date: Sukrunyi - January 15  and Tsukhenye - Every first Sunday of March 

3. Bushu Jiba

Also known as Bushu, this festival is celebrated by the tribes of Dimasa Kachari of Dimapur. The Bushu Jiba is a post-harvest festival celebrated by the Kacharis where the barns are filled with food after harvesting is completed. It is celebrated on a full moon night as it is deemed to be auspicious.

Festival Date: Last week of January

4. Sekrenyi

Sekrenyi is one of the major festivals of the Angami tribe and is celebrated in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. The main goal behind the festival is to cleanse the body and soul; it marks the initiation of youth to adulthood. The festival is celebrated for around 10 days. 

Festival Date: February 25

5. Hega

One of the prime festivals of the Zeliang tribe of Peren is Hega. It is a matrimonial festival. This festival is auspicious for young married couples. The Zeliang tribe consists of three sub-tribes: Zemei, Liangmei, and Rongmei. 

Festival Date: February 10 to15

6. Moatsu

Locally known as Moatsu Mong, this festival is celebrated in the Mokokchung district by the Ao tribe. This is the most famous local festival celebrated after the sowing season. All men and women get together clothed in their traditional attire and celebrate by singing folk songs and dance. 

Festival Date: May 1 to 3

7. Aoleang 

Also known as Aoleang Monyu, this festival is celebrated by the tribal people of Konyak in the Mon district. This is a spring festival that marks the end of the year and the start of a new year. During this festival, the local people wish for a better harvest and a fruitful future. 

Festival Date: April 1 and 2

8. Miu

This festival is celebrated during the sowing season by the tribal people of Khiamniungan of Tuensang district. For a good harvest and crop, the locals seek blessings from God and offer food and dance and sing for the almighty. Another purpose of this festival is to build a good relationship within the family. 

Festival Date: May 5

9. Tuluni

The main festival of the Sumi tribe of the Zunheboto district is a joyous occasion. Celebrated for three straight days, this event involves local rice beer and lots of folk songs and dances. Tuluni Festival is celebrated to maintain mutual harmony in the Sumi community. It is also celebrated mid-year to express gratefulness for the abundant food and crops. In the local language, Tuluni is called “Anni”.

Festival Date: July 8

10. Naknyulem

A major festival celebrated by the Chang tribe in the district of Tuensang is Naknyulem Festival. The purpose of this festival is to build relationships and friendships by exchanging lots of gifts and food. It is a celebration of coming together. Mostly celebrated in villages, this auspicious festival is now celebrated in cities as well. During the festival, the traditional instrument “Kongkhim” is played by the womenfolk.

Festival Date: July 31

These are just some of the festivals celebrated in Nagaland that are unique to the state. To witness such a cultural extravagance while in Nagaland, make sure you get a local guide who can give you an insight into the festival and traditions.

Nagaland Tour Packages