Nagaland is known as the ‘Land of Festivals‘ and rightly so, since there are festivals all throughout the year. Each Naga tribe has their own unique and indigenous festivals. The occupation of the Nagas is mainly agricultural. The festivals of Naga tribes are mostly based on their simple ways of life, thanksgiving for the blessings of nature and merry-making.
There are 17 recognized Naga tribes in Nagaland. Besides there are other tribes recognized by the Government of Nagaland. List of festivals of Nagaland are given in the table below.
List of Festivals of Nagaland
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| Festival | Tribe | Date | Month | Significance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thuni | Chakhesang | 5 | January | Post-harvest festival | |
| Poang Lüm | Chang | 13 | January | Premier festival of the Chang Nagas | |
| Sükrünye | Chakhesang | 15 | January | Main Festival of Chakhesang Tribe. Boys and girls are sanctified through religious ceremonies and rituals. | |
| Tsungkamneo | Yimchunger | 16 | January | ||
| Mimkut | Kuki | 17 | January | Post harvest festival of Kukis | |
| Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah | Khiamniungan | 20 | January | Marks the end of all agricultural activities for the year, a time to rest and give thanks to god. | |
| Bishu | Kachari | 27 | January | Post harvest festival | |
| Ngunye | Chakhesang | 1 | February | ||
| Sekrenyi | Angami | 25 | February | 'sekre' meaning "sanctification" and 'thenyi' meaning "festival." "a "purification festival". | |
| Hega | Zeliang | 10 to 15 | February | Biggest Festival of Zeliang Tribe. A festival invoking the Almighty's blessings | |
| Nazu | Pochury | February | Celebrated for ten days in the month of February, just before sowing begins. | ||
| Mileinyi | Zeliang | 11 | March | ||
| Tsohsu | Sangtam | 12 | March | ||
| Kundaglün | Chang | 1 | April | ||
| Holong Monglashi | Phom | 3 | April | ||
| Wangtsunuo | Yimchunger | 16 | April | ||
| Tsukhenyie | Chakhesang | 24 | April | ||
| Aoleang Monyu | Konyak | 1 to 2 | April | Post sowing festival - to welcome new season and invoke divine blessings. | |
| Phom Monyu | Phom | 1 to 2 | April | Biggest festival of Phom Naga. Post sowing festival to invoke divine blessings | |
| Moatsu | Ao | 2 | May | Post sowing festival - | |
| Miu | Khiamniungan | 5 | May | ||
| Biam | Khiamniungan | 7 | August | ||
| Metemneo | Yimchunger | 8 | August | ||
| Tuluni | Sumi | 8 | July | ||
| Te-l Khukhu | Angami | 13 | July | ||
| Khukhu | Chakhesang | 17 | August | ||
| Hunapongpi | Sangtam | 18 | August | ||
| Naknyulüm | Chang | 31 | July | ||
| Tsungrenmong | Ao | 1 to 2 | August | Tsungremmong-The eve of harvest - seek blessing of God for good harvest. | |
| Mongmong | Sangtam | 3 | September | ||
| Lao-Ong Mo | Konyak | 28 | September | ||
| Tsokum | Khiamniungan | 5 | October | festival of dedication to commence the harvest | |
| Yemshe | Pochury | 5 | October | ||
| Chaga Gadi/Langsimnyi | Zeliang | 31 | October | ||
| Chavang Kut | Kuki | 1 | November | ||
| Wangala | Garo | 21 | November | ||
| Tokhu Emong | Lotha | 06 to 07 | November | Post-harvest festival of Lotha Tribe. | |
| Ahuna | Sumi | 14 to 15 | November | Post harvest festival of Sumi Tribe. | |
| Ngada | Rengma | 27 to 28 | November | The harvest festival of the Rengma tribe. | |
| Apikimti | Sumi | 4 to 5 | November | ||
| Terhüni | Angami | 9 | December |
Hornbill Festival
Hornbill Festival is not a festival of a particular Naga tribe. However, being a popular festival in Nagaland, it is included here.
Hornbill Festival is organized by Nagaland State Government. It started in the year 2000 and is now held every year from 1st December. The Hornbill Festival is normally celebrated for 10 days starting from 1st December. It is a festival where all Naga tribes partake and where visitors can witness mélange of cultural displays from all Naga tribes under one roof, an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.
