Different tribes of Nagaland and their traditional values – Hornbill Festival 2015

Photos by Aribam Munindrajit

Hornbill Festival, where all the tribes of Nagaland interact

As more than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture, most of the festivals in the state are focused on agriculture. The tribes of Nagaland consider their festivals sacred with compulsory participation, and the celebrations are done with high enthusiasm, dedication and passion.

Nagaland is also known as the land of festivals. Some of the important festivals celebrated are, Tsukhenyie by the Chakhesangs in January, Mimkut by the Kukis in January, Bushu by the Kacharis in January, Sekrenyi by the Angamis in February, Aoling by the Konyaks in April, Moatsu by the Aos in May, Tuluni by the Sumis in July, Nyaknylum by the Changs in July, Tokhu Emong by the Lothas in November and Yemshe by the Pochurys in October.

To encourage the inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December.