Nagaland is a land of unique traditions and culture. Sharing border - lines with Assam in east, Arunachal Pradesh in its northeast, and Manipur in south, it comprises of the intriguing world of ancient rituals and a brave people.It is the richest fashion centre of the North East Nagaland is blessed with a `salubrious climate throughout the year and one can visit it anytime. Wild animals like elephant, leopards, tiger, wild buffalo are found in deep jungles while it’s vast expanses of paddy fields, fed by an elaborate indigenous irrigation system.The state consists of 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes. Each tribe has its own custom and tradition, different dialects and dresses. Above all the people here are warm - hearted and extremely hospitable. Any tourist will enjoy the ambience and feel warmth of hospitality here.
About Nagaland The state of Nagaland, covering an area of 16,488 sq. km. is encircled by Assam in the north and west, by Burma and Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and Manipur in the South. The state is predominantly dominated by Naga communities and hence, it forms a single cultural region generally definable by common cultural and linguistic traditions. This state was carved out of the territories that were earlier known as Naga Hills - Tuesnsang Area (NHTA), through the State of Nagaland Act, 1962. It was inaugurated on 1st December, 1963 by the then President of India, Dr S. Radhakrishnan.
The state lies between 2506 deg and 2704 deg of the equator and between the longitudinal lines 93015 deg E. The Barail range extending from the south-west via North Cachar runs up to Kohima, with its highest Peak, Japvo, attaining a height of 3,048 meters.
Handicrafts
Nagaland's handloom and handicrafts own a reputation for their quality. The beautifully hand woven tribal shawls of various tribes, Naga mekhelas (Sarongs), Naga hand bags, which are exquisitely and intricately designed, have won worldwide appreciation. The new generation of Nagas has ventured into fashion designing on a commercial scale, reproducing fabrics that represent the past, fused with modern taste. They have handicrafts like beads, cearlands & baskets, made of cane & bamboo.
Flora & FaunaThe variations in the altitude, latitude, climate and soil have given rise to a diversity of forest types, ranging from tropical evergreen to temperate evergreen and the coniferous.
Bamboo groves are extensive everywhere. Among the common species, mention may be made of the Naga Bhe and plants such as Mesuaferrea, Careyaarbotrea and Fiscus Electica. On the hill slopes are found oak, chestnut, birch, magnolia, cherry, maple, laurel and fig. Pine trees are found at high altitude areas, varying from 3,000 to 4,000 ft. Wild vegetables, roots, fruits and tubers are found in abundance throughout Nagaland.
Nagaland constitutes a meeting ground for the sub-Himalayan, Indian, Chinese and Burmese type of fauna. Elephants, tigers, barking deer and sambar are found in different places through the state. Monkeys, jackals, wild buffaloes, wild pigs, bear and wild dogs are sparsely distributed through the Naga Hills. Among the ritually most valued species is Mithun. Other common species are lizards, toads, monitors.
Faith & CultureThe entire Naga inhabited area may be described as one culture area, on account of several ethno-historical factors. There are 14 tribes in Nagaland. The traditional faith, religious beliefs and practices of Naga tribes show signs of being animistic. There is a belief of a supreme creator of mankind, and many deities, ghosts and spirits of trees, rivers and hills. There are priests and medicine-men that placate these spirits, banish those who give diseases, attract those who help and guard, and also take the lead in the rites and festivals, which stimulate the processes of agriculture. Among the Naga tribes (Chang, Sangtam, Khiamngan), there is a belief that the soul, after death, goes down a narrow path to the land of the dead that is guarded by a spirit with whom it must struggle. Most Naga tribes regard the ultimate ancestors of man and the tiger, as very intimately associated. The ancient Kachari capital, Dimapur is one of the important sites of megalithic culture. The ruins appear to be contemporaries with the Kachari civilization, established before the Ahom invasion in the 13th century A.D. There are evidences of Hindu influence on most of them, though these are predominantly non-Aryan. Today 85% of the people are Christians.
Places to see in Nagaland
Dimapur: This “City of River People”, is the biggest and most advanced industrialized city of the state. The District derives its name from a dialect of Kachari in which ‘di’ - means river, ‘ma’ - means great or big, and ‘pur’ - means city, together denotative as ‘the city near the great river’. You can enjoy sightseeing in Dimapur at Chumukedima (the first headquarters of the erstwhile Naga Hills District of Assam State when there was reign of British in early 19th century), Ruzaphema (for frolic and shopping of handicrafts), Triple Falls (a three tier waterfall), Governor's Camp (picnickers, rafters, anglers and campers delight) and Itankagi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kohima: The capital city of Nagaland is a home to Angami, Rengma, Kuki and Zeliang Naga tribes. The city is remarkable for the history of World War II. For tourists it has religious, monumental, museums and village attractions. Must visit places are The Cathedral of Reconciliation (a modern church), War Cemetery, State Museum, Zoological Park and two beautiful villages of Bara Basti and Khonoma.
The Dzukou Valley in Kohima is extremely beautiful. The hills, the cliffs, the landscape, the brooks, are ultimately vibrant. The valley is all the more beautiful and fragrant in the season of spring with blossoms all around. The herbs, the flowers like white, red, yellow and pink rhododendrons, yellow Caltha Palustris and white anemones. Different flowers dominate different seasons. Surprisingly 360 varieties of orchids grow in the hillsides.
Kiphire: This tourist hot spot has many attractions like Saramati Peak (the highest peak of Nagaland), Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Cave at Salomi, Cave at Mimi, Sukhayap (Lover's Paradise),
Wawade Waterfalls, Twin Stones, Village of Siphi, Mikhi (the river of salt) and Yingphi or Yingphire (absolutely rich in historical spots, legends and traditions).
Longleng: Mokokchung: If you visit Mokokchung, do check out these spots of interest Longkhum, caves of Fusen kei and Mongzu Ki, Longritzu Lenden and Tangkum Marok (springs), Ungma ( oldest and the largest Ao village) and Chuchuyimlang (festival village of Ao).
Peren: This tourist village is abound with ethnicity and traditions. The famous tourist attractions of the distrisct are Benuru (rich in traditional values), Mt. Pauna Tourist Village and Mt. Pauna (the third highest peak of Nagaland).
Festivals of NagalandNagaland is a place where fairs and festivals are celebrated round the year. Various tribes and village observe different festivals. Among the famous ones are:
Festivals of Angami: This tribe celebrates SEKRENYI in the month of February to seek health and welfare of the whole community. People are all glad and happily celebrate by boozing, and eating pork.
Festival of Ao: The Ao tribe observes MOASTSU MONG for three days in the month of May after completing sowing. The festival is occasion of celebration, dancing, singing and frolicking. 'Sangpangtu' is one of the symbolic celebrations of these festivals where men and women sit around a big lit fire. Another festival of Aos is TSUNGREM MONG in the August. This festival is for upcoming generation and village youths to exhibit their intellectual dexterity and physical prowess.
Festival of Chakhesang: This community celebrates seven festivals in whole year which are SUHKRUHNYE - 15th January, NGUNYE - 1st February, TSAKRONYE - 1st Sunday of March 4, TSUKHANYE / TSUKHENYIE - 6th May, KHUTHONYE - 15th July, TURHINYE - 25th August, THURINYE / KHILUVATU - 1st December. SUHKRUHNYE is the most important festival of this tribe.
Festival of Chang: This tribe observes six major festivals annually namely POANG LEM, JEINYU LEM, KUDANG LEM by Haongang community, and MOUNG LEM, NAKNYU LEM and MONYU LEM. These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm till date.
Festival of Zemi: SANKARNI is the most important festival of Zemis. It is celebrated at the same time when Sivaratri is celebrated. A weeklong festival is for smoking and boozing for merriment.
Festival of Sumi: The sumis celebrate a post harvest festival AHUNA which bespeaks the manifestation of thanks giving spree. TULUNI another festival which is celebrated in mid July. People drink wine named Tulini a rice beer.
The Hornbill Festival: It is not a traditional festival of Nagas but a showcase of of Naga culture, cuisine and handicrafts. Different tribes display their own unique cultural assets. Musical gigs and various entertainment programs keep the tourists and the participant occupied with conviviality.
Tribes of Nagaland
Major TribesThe inhabitants of Nagaland are called 'Naga' which has incepted from 'Nagna' means naked. It is so because the Nagas are known for avowed for their sparseness of clothes. There are fourteen major Naga tribes namely the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunge and Zeliang. All these tribes live happily with each other. They have different traditions, languages, occupations and lifestyles. The PeopleThe Nagas belong to the Indo-Mongoloid family. Nagas are assiduous people with a strong inclination for their values, ethical mores and self esteem. They are courteous and cheerful and sanguine. You will easily confront the Nagas with a glee lit face. Nagas are of sub medium height with a low face indice, straight hair. You will find the Zeliang and Pochury tribes of Kohima very humble and rustic. The tusensang tribe is modest and natural.
Social and Cultural EthosSome cultural customs of the tribes are same like head hunting, common sleeping house for unmarried men which are taboo to women, a sort of trial marriage, or great freedom of intercourse between the sexes before marriage, disposal of dead on raised platforms, the simple loom for weaving cloth.
There is absence of any caste system among Naga and non Naga tribe. Rather the tribes are asundered into twelve totems based on the great forefathers. Recent advent of Gotra system among tribes is remarkable. Marriage in the same totem is restricted but modernization has impacted it and hence now young people do not abide by it.
Wildlife of NagalandThe state has two wildlife sanctuaries. Fakim wildlife Sanctuary and Intanki wildlife Sanctuary.
Fakim Wildlife SanctuaryThe Fakim Sanctuary in Nagaland is nearby the border of Myanmar. It is full of numerous flora and fauna. You will find the trees of Bonsum, Bogipoma, Khasi Pine, Oaks, Amari, Gamari, Hollock, Nahor, Uriam, Alder, Kachnar, Sasi here. As the foprests here receive plenty of rains, the woods are brimmed with undergrowth shrubs, Dalchini and Tejpatta. If you will go in the months of March and April, you will gte to see blooming Rhododendrons, varieties of Bamboo and Cane.
The fauna of the sanctuary is packed with Tiger, Hoolock gibbons, Panther, Jungle Cat, Himalayan Bear, Bison, Sambar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Slender Loris. Some beautiful birds that are found in this sanctuary are Indian Horn Bill, Tragopan Pheasant, Grey Pheasant, Jungle Fowl, Green Pigeon; Doves etc are the important birds of the region.
Intanki Wildlife SanctuaryThe Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary in Nagaland is preserves by the Forest Wildlife Department. It is a shelter to various animals including some rare species of birds. The sanctuary boasts of having rich and varied treasure of flora & fauna. This Sanctuary is a home to Hoolock Gibbon (the only Gibbon found in India), Elephant, Mithun, Sambar, Barking Deer, Goral, Flying Squirrel, Wild Dog, Tiger, and Sloth Bear. The birds you can locate here are Kaleej and common pheasant, Hornbill and Black Stor.
Adventure in NagalandNagaland is a pleasantly charming land with advent grade trekking routes. Nagaland hills are archetypal ones where trekking and campaigning will be absolute fun. Adventure sports are extremely thrilling here because of azure hills and clichéd expanses. You can enjoy trekking in the state traversing through vestal and uninfluenced terrains. From the month of November to March Japfu Peak in Kohima is a trekker’s delight. Another trek for you is Dzukou Valley. It is a marvelous valley for trekking expeditions. It has a roving rivulet and in the spring season you will see wildflowers and pink and white rhododendrons.
Shopping in NagalandIf you are interested in shopping at Nagaland. Great idea indeed! As other tribes, Nagas also have their own own expertise in handicrafts. The art and craft of Nagaland is clannish and chic. The Nagas have a knack of Bamboo Work, Wood Carving, Pottery and Blacksmitthy. So you have a wide variety of products to choose from. Go to the local bazaars and be a proud owner of these comely articles.
Bamboo WorkAs the state has forests abundant of Bamboo and Cane, Nagas are adept basket creators. This art is limited to the males of the village. The baskets which they make are for multiphase. One basket is for domestic purpose, for storage and the other basket is for outdoor purpose like carrying it for daily usage. These baskets are of different shapes. These are triobe specific, for instance, a conical shaped basket is representative of Aos, and a cylindrical shaped basket is of Angamis. Apart from these baskets Nagas also make mats, shields, drinking cups – Chungas-, necklaces, armlets, and leggings of cane.
Wood CarvingThe affluent family of the village have the best wood carvings on their houses. They use simple wood carving instruments and motifs are equally simple and symbolic like carving of mithun head (denoting wealth), hornbill (denoting valor), human figure (denoting success in hunting), elephant, and tiger (denoting physical aptitude).
Pottery Pottery is not that popular and but hence practiced in very few villages. Without using a revolving wheel the Nagas make the pots by their hands only. Limited to women folk of the village it is not very profitable.
BlacksmithyIt is a recent but popular craft. The blacksmiths make the everyday use article for the villagers like Dao, axe, sickle, knives, spear points, muzzle loading guns and butts. Different tribes have their own perspective about the trade of blacksmithy.
OrnamentsFundamentally both the sexes are fond of wearing and adorning themselves with colorful ornaments. Naga soldiers wears a miniature trophy masks as a pendant in a chain or necklace symbolizing their valor as headhunters. You will like to see the Naga bracelets and bangles. Nagas make ornaments of shells which have a aesthetic quality.

How to Reach
By Air: Dimapur is the only airport in Nagaland and it is well connected by flights from Delhi and Calcutta and the rest of the country.By Rail: The important railhead in Nagaland is Dimapur on the North Eastern Railway Track.By Road: The towns and villages of Nagaland are connected by the Nagaland State Transport Association. Buses are frequent from Dimapur to Guwahati, Shillong, and Mokokchung.

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