11 Popular Festivals Celebrated in Nagaland

There are a number of festivals and fairs in Nagaland that offer an opportunity to experience, celebrate, and learn about tribal cultures that thrive in this renaissance world. Each tribe celebrates its festival for its own reasons. Nagaland celebrates its unique festive celebrations almost every month.

Nagaland’s festivals feature unique dances, colorful clothing, mystic music, and songs that have been handed down from generation to generation. In addition, the irresistible food, seasoned with local herbs and spices, will make your heart rejoice as you simultaneously savor its flavor.

Nagaland has a number of festivals that are symbolic of the culture and folklore of its 16 major tribal communities. Nagaland is home to the following tribes: Ao, Angami, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sumi, Sangtam, Chakhesang, Chang, Kuki, Kachari, Konyak, Khiamniungan, Yimchunger, and Zeme-Liangmai (Zeliang).

Listed below are Unique Local Festivals Celebrated in Nagaland:

1. Hornbill

Hornbill Festival is the largest celebration of Nagaland. It is held in Kisama Village every year in the first week of December. The festival includes displays of tribal artworks, religious ceremonies, and traditional dances, as well as colorful traditional clothing, mouthwatering ethnic food, and delicious local cuisine. Read more information: Hornbill Festival Nagaland 2024 – Date, Ticket, Permits, Attractions.

The Hornbill Festival, named for the state bird Hornbill, has a great deal of charm and importance. This festival was first introduced by Nagaland’s government to tourists in order to boost tourist interaction with the tribal community.

• When: Held annually from December 1st to 10th.
• Where: Mainly at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, near Kohima.
• What to Expect: A vibrant display of Naga culture, handicrafts, food stalls, and traditional arts. Photography opportunities abound, and it’s a chance to witness the famous Naga wrestling and traditional dances.
• Tips: Book accommodations well in advance as the festival attracts visitors from around the globe.

2. Sukrunyi and Tsukhenyie

The Chakhesang tribe celebrates these festivals in the district of Phek. A festival that sanctifies the youth, Sukrunyi, is the first festival to take place. A typical 11-day celebration occurs during this festival.

Tsukhenye is a four-day festival during which elders sacrifice a rooster to the god to obtain a good harvest, prosperity, and long life. Men participate in a purification ritual on the first day of the festival.

• When: Celebrated in January by the Chakhesang tribe.
• Where: Predominantly in the Chakhesang region of Phek district.
• What to Expect: Traditional rituals, cultural dances, and local music performances. It’s a good time to explore the customs of the Chakhesang community.
• Tips: Respect the local customs and seek permission before taking photographs of rituals.

3. Bushu Jiba

Bushu is an Indian festival that is celebrated by the Dimasa Kachari tribes in Dimapur. After harvest is completed, the barns of the Kacharis are filled with food during the Bushu Jiba, a post-harvest festival celebrated by the Kacharis. This festival is celebrated on the night of a full moon because it is deemed auspicious.

• When: Usually observed in January.
• Where: Celebrated by the Zeme tribe in the Peren district.
• What to Expect: Community feasting, traditional games, and dance performances are central to this festival.
• Tips: Engage with local families if invited to participate in feasts to truly experience their hospitality.

4. Sekrenyi

The Sekrenyi festival is one of the major celebrations of the Angami tribe. Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is the venue. This festival is all about cleansing the body and soul; it signifies the beginning of adulthood. Around ten days are spent celebrating this festival.

• When: Takes place in February.
• Where: Mainly among the Angami tribe in and around Kohima.
• What to Expect: Rituals of purification, folk songs, and traditional games. The festival aims to renew and purify the village and its people.
• Tips: Try to attend the Thekra Hie – a singing session where young people gather to sing traditional songs.

5. Hega

Hega is one of the most important festivals of the Zeliang tribe of Peren. A matrimonial festival, it is celebrated from 10 to 15 February. Young married couples are considered fortunate by this festival. There are three sub-tribes within the Zeliang tribe: Zemei, Liangmei, and Rongmei.

• When: Generally celebrated in February.
• Where: By the Sema tribe, especially in the Zunheboto district.
• What to Expect: Agricultural rituals to mark the beginning of the sowing season, along with community dances and songs.
• Tips: Hega is less tourist-oriented, offering a more authentic insight into the local lifestyle.

6. Moatsü

The Ao tribe celebrates this festival, locally called Moatsu Mong, in the Mokokchung district. Moatsü Mong is the most popular local festival after harvest. Festival celebrated like folk songs and dancing are sung and danced by all men and women dressed in their traditional attire.

• When: Celebrated in the first week of May.
• Where: Among the Ao tribes in the Mokokchung district.
• What to Expect: Vibrant dances, folk songs, and a shared communal feast known as “Mopin”.
• Tips: Participate in the Sangpangtu, a bonfire ritual, for a complete experience.

7. Aoleang

This festival is also known as Aoleang Monyu, and it is celebrated by the Konyak tribe in the Mon district. It’s a celebration of the arrival of spring that marks the end of the year and the start of a new one. The locals celebrate this festival in hopes of a better harvest and a prosperous future

• When: Celebrated in the first week of April.
• Where: By the Konyak tribe in Mon district.
• What to Expect: Marking the beginning of the new year, this festival features warrior dances, exhibitions of Konyak culture, and displays of traditional attire.
• Tips: The Konyak region is remote, so plan your logistics carefully and consider local guides.

Read Also: 10 Best Places to Visit in Nagaland

8. Miu

The Khiamniungan people of Tuensang district celebrate this festival during the sowing season. Locals offer food and dance and sing to the Almighty for blessings on a good harvest and crop. The festival also has the purpose of strengthening relationships within the family.

• When: Held in February.
• Where: Celebrated by the Khiamniungan tribe in the Tuensang district.
• What to Expect: A lesser-known festival that includes traditional games, music, and dance, celebrating community life.
• Tips: Due to its low profile, visiting Miu offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience.

9. Tuluni

A joyous occasion, the Sumi tribe’s main festival is held in the Zunheboto district every year. Local rice beer is served during this three-day festival, which includes folk songs and dances.

The festival is celebrated by the Sumi community to maintain harmony. In addition, it is celebrated mid-year as a way to express gratitude for the abundance of food and crops. Tuluni is called “Anni” in the local language.

• When: Celebrated in July.
• Where: Among the Sumi Naga in the Zunheboto district.
• What to Expect: Known as the festival of feasting, it features plenty of rice beer, singing, and dancing. It’s an expression of gratitude for the season’s harvest.
• Tips: Engage in the Tuluni festivity by tasting the local rice beer, which is a major part of the celebration.

Read Also: North East India Famous Festivals

10. Naknyulem

Naknyulem Festival is a major festival celebrated by the Chang tribe in Tuensang. In this festival, food and gifts are exchanged to build relationships and friendships. It is an occasion for people to come together.

Now also celebrated in cities, this auspicious festival used to be celebrated mainly in villages. Women play the traditional instrument Kongkhim during the festival.

• When: Observed in July.
• Where: Celebrated by the Chang tribe in Tuensang district.
• What to Expect: Cultural performances, traditional sports, and community prayers.
• Tips: This festival offers an intimate look at the Chang community’s cultural practices.

11. Mimkut

A major harvest festival of the Kuki tribe is celebrated by the Peren district. A week of celebrations begins on the 17th day of the month of Kuki called Tolbol. By performing rituals and offering prayers, the Mimkut festival is celebrated to appease Thilha, a demon god.

Nagaland is known for its unique festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. If you want to experience such cultural extravagance while in Nagaland, hire a local guide who can explain the festival and traditions.

• When: Celebrated in January.
• Where: By the Kuki tribe, predominantly in areas like Mon and Dimapur.
• What to Expect: Marking the end of the harvest season, it includes rituals for the dead, dances, and the display of harvested grains.
• Tips: The festival is deeply spiritual; show respect and curiosity when attending rituals.