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FESTIVAL CALENDAR · NAGALAND · 008

Festivals in Nagaland.

8 festivals across Nagaland — organised by month.

February

Sekrenyi

Kohima

Angami Naga purification festival — ritual bathing in the village spring, community feast of rice and meat, war dances, and the symbolic cleansing of the year's sins.

Sekrenyi

Khonoma

A ten-day purification festival of the Angami Naga people held in Khonoma and surrounding Angami villages. The festival involves ceremonial cleansing of the body and soul to wash away past sins, renewal rituals, initiation of young people to adulthood, and community unification. Represents an identity marker of the Angami people with deep spiritual and social significance.

April

Tsükhenye Festival

Pfutsero

A four-day harvest festival celebrated by the Chakhesang Naga tribe in Pfutsero to mark the successful harvest year and rejuvenate the community. The festival begins with a sacred purification ceremony involving the village priest's sacrificial offering, followed by merrymaking, traditional dances, sports, games, and leisure activities that reinforce community bonds.

Aoling Festival

Mon

The Konyak Naga spring festival — the former headhunter tribe's biggest celebration. Log drum beating, warrior dances with traditional tattoos and skull necklaces, and village-wide feasting.

May

Moatsu

Mokokchung

Ao Naga post-sowing festival — warriors in full ceremonial dress, folk songs around bonfires, community bonding, and prayers for a good harvest. Mokokchung comes alive.

August

Metemneo Festival

Kiphire

A five-day harvest festival celebrated by the Yimchunger Naga tribe in Kiphire after the millet crop harvest. Features traditional rituals praying for the souls of the departed, traditional dances, and young people engagement ceremonies, reflecting the community's spiritual and social bonds.

September

Mongmong Festival

Kiphire

A six-day harvest festival celebrated by the Sangtam Naga tribe in Kiphire. Mongmong means 'Togetherness Forever' and involves various rituals, traditional dances, feasts, and thanksgiving ceremonies to honor the gods for a bountiful harvest of crops.

December

Hornbill Festival

Kohima

All 16 Naga tribes converge at Kisama Heritage Village for warrior dances, tribal food, traditional crafts, and Naga wrestling. The largest cultural showcase in Northeast India.

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