The Land of the Hornbill

Nagaland is known for its unique tribal cultures, delicious food and vibrant festivals and dances

Amongst the most distinctive peoples of India’s Northeast region, the Nagas dwell in a land of intense natural beauty and vibrant cultural traditions.

Fabled for their bravery, colourful costumes and deep connection with the land and their traditions, the Nagas hail from Indo-Asiatic stock. Nagaland’s populace comprises 17 major tribes along with other sub-tribes inhabiting 16 Administrative Districts. Each of them has its own distinct identity in terms of language, dialect, customs, food habits, entertainment, sports etc. A distinct Naga village institution is the morung, a communal dorm for young unmarried men.

It may surprise you that Nagaland has 60 spoken dialects, all of which have links with the Sino-Tibetan language family. Though ‘Naga’ has become somewhat of a generic term for many tribal communities in the North East, the primary ethnic groups amongst the Naga tribes of Nagaland are the Konyaks (the largest tribe), the Aos, Tangkhuls, Semas, Angamis and the Rengmas.  This mosaic of diverse ethnicities has created a fantastic tapestry of distinctive cultures and lifestyles that offers travellers many immersive experiences.

Though originally animist by faith a large percentage of Nagaland’s populace has been Christian ever since the arrival of Baptist missionaries along with British rule in the 19^th century. Not many people are aware that India’s largest crucifix can be found in Nagaland. Western influences amongst the Nagas also came by way of participation for the English in the labour corps to serve in France during World War II.

Spread over an area of 16,579 sq km Nagaland shares borders with Assam in its western and northern periphery, Arunachal Pradesh in the northeast, Manipur in the south, and Myanmar in the east. It is a largely mountainous region, defined sharply by the verdant Naga Hills rising above the Brahmaputra Valley, which lose themselves seamlessly in the Patkai Range, a part of the Arakan Range ecosystem bordering neighbour Myanmar. Its major waterways are the Barak, Doyang and Dikhu.

Naga territory, post-independence, was initially still a part of Assam as it was under the British. Nagaland was formally given statehood in 1963, as part of the Indian Union.

Visitors can enjoy their first introduction to Naga culture, which is richly represented at Kisama Heritage Village/Naga Heritage Village, located on the outskirts of the state capital, Kohima. An unmissable event here is the annual Hornbill Festival, a massive cultural extravaganza of tribal fanfare, art, music, and cuisine, held in November/December. With its lovely terraced farmlands of the Angami people, Khonoma, the first ‘heritage village’ was ahead of its time, years ago, as Asia’s first ‘green’ village’ driven solely by sustainable living practices; today it ranks amongst India’s top 50 tourist destinations.

Kohima offers insights into those uncertain, anxiety-generating times when in World War II it became the farthest point of the Japanese advance into British India. Bustling Dimapur with its 13th-century Kachari Ruins offers excursions to the serene neighbouring villages of Nichuguard, Kuki Dolong, Chumukedima, Seithekima, and Medziphema. Mokukchung, home of the Ao Nagas, is worthy of leisurely explorations. Adventure enthusiasts can expect great trekking, birding, and hiking experiences in the picturesque setting of Phek as well as the breathtaking Dzukou Valley nestling alongside neighbouring Manipur.

Apart from up ticking some of the numerous tribal festivities keep your calendar free for Nagaland’s cherry blossom season (Nov-Dec); apple blossom season (Feb-March) and peach blossom time (March-April).

Visitors have a brilliant opportunity to embrace the traditions of Naga culture, history and heritage through the eyes of the millennials and Gen Z, whether it’s the ethnic diversity, literature, music and dance, art, costumes, textiles and cuisine.

Dimapur, the bustling commercial hub offers air connectivity to Kolkata and Delhi. Dimapur railway station offers connections to Guwahati which has direct train lines with most major Indian cities. An Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory for any visitor to Nagaland.