Nagaland
is a world apart. Nature resplendent in all her
full-bodied glory. Exquisitely picturesque,
vibrantly colourful, all lush fertile, the land
represents unimaginable beauty, created by nature,
to take your breath away.
The Nagas, inhabitants of Nagaland, are said to
belong to the indo-mongoloid stock, a race whose
presence was first noted ten centuries before
Christ, at the time of the compilation of the Vedas.
Inagurated on December 1, 1963 as the 16th state of
the Bharat Union, Nagaland is bounded by Assam in
the west, Burma on the East, Arunachal Pradesh &
Assam on the North and Manipur in the South. The
state consists of seven districts with sixteen
tribes & sub-tribes inhabiting it. The Naga
tribes are generally full of folklore. They are fond
of seasonal songs, solo, duet and choric. Here man
has to fight nature all the time. The struggle
however, makes people tough. The people here are
strongly built, simple, honest and hard working.
Situated in the north-eastern corner of the country,
Nagaland has Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur on
its domestic borders, while Myanmar shares with it,
an international boundary on the east. The Naga
Hills run through this small state, which has
Saramati as its highest peak at a height of 12,600
ft. The main rivers that flow through Nagaland are
Dhansiri, Doyang, Dikhu and Jhanji. Administered
earlier by the President, Nagaland was made a state
in 1963.
In Kohima, the Second World War Cemetery, State
Museum and Zoo are the principal places of interest
here. Excursions from Kohima lead to Khonoma
village, Japfu peak, Dzakou Valley and Mokokchung.
The Intaki sanctuary, at a distance from Kohima, is
the home of the hoolok baboon, the only gibbon in
India.
Capital: Situated at the southern tip of the state,
overlooking the valley, is the mountainous capital,
Kohima. Kohima does not have monuments, monasteries
or temples to offer by way of stock tourist
attractions. However the unhurried pace of life,
calm and serene environs and fresh, unpolluted air
makes a welcome change for a jaded city dweller. The
Second World War Cemetery in Kohima, the State
Museum and the Zoo are the principal places of
interest here. Excursions from Kohima lead to
Khonoma village, Japfu peak, Dzakou Valley and
Mokokchung.
The People: The Nagas are a handsome and friendly
people. High cheekbones, almond eyes, sparkling
teeth and bronzed skin set the Nagas apart. In
colourful tribal outfits, with bamboo shields
sheathed in bear skin and decorated spears, the
Nagas are simple people, almost entirely tribal.
There are 16 tribes, each with its own dialect and
customs the common link being their passion for
music, dance and pageantry. The social position of a
Naga is borne out by the number of bone necklaces he
wears.
Handicrafts: Weaving is a traditional art handed
down through generations in Nagaland. Each of the
major tribes has its own unique designs and colours.
Warm and colourful Naga shawls, handwoven shoulder
bags, decorative spears, table mats, wood carvings
and bamboo works make magnificent souveniers.
Cultivation on terraced fields, is the main
occupation with rice being the important foodgrain.
Sightseeing
Barra Basti : according to Naga belief, is where
Kohima began. India's largest village, the
ceremonial gateway, traditional houses, a huge
granary and a trough to brew rice beer for the
community are interesting features.
War Cemetery : located on a hill overlooking the
capital. On one side of the memorial cross at the
top is a tree with a plaque marking the limit of the
Japanese advance into India during World War II.
State Museum : displays dioramas of the lifestvie of
individual tribes. In the basement are exhibits on
birds and animals of the northeast. Zoological Park
abounds in rich flora and fauna. Of interest is the
famous bird, the Blvthe Tragopan.
Excursions
Khonoma Village : 20 km west of Kohima, has a unique
story of valour and courage. The pride of Khonoma is
its ancient bastion.
Japfu Peak :15 km, gives a view of Kohima and the
snowclad Himalayas. Trekking terrain.
Dzukou Valley : 25 km, 2,462 m. Treks through
wildflowers, pink and white rhododendrons which dot
the valley from November to March.
Phek : 134 km, a festival is held here in
March-April. The Blvthe Tragopan is found here and
many varieties of orchids also.
Dimapur : 74 km, is Nagaland's only railhead and
airbase. In the heart of the town are the last
relics of the Kachari kingdom. At the emporia, women
weave exquisite Naga shawls.
Intaki Wildlife Sanctuary : 111 fan from Kohima, 37
km from Dima-pur, home of the hoolok baboon, the
only gibbon in India. Other wildlife includes
elephant, mithuii, sambhar, barking deer, goral,
flying squirrel, wild dog, tiger, sloth bear; among
birds the pheasant, hornbill and black stork.
Mount Tiyi : offers a spectacular diking track.
Liphanyan Governor's Camp : an spot for angling,
rafting and
Shopping
Weaving is the traditional art. kd) major tribe has
its own design fd colour combinations.
The sales emporium of Nagaland Handloom and
Handicrafts Development Corporation (opposite State
Transport Bus Station) has woollen shawls and other
Naga handicrafts. The market outside Supermarket is
a delightful place where village women in tribal
costumes offer products.
Festivals
Nagaland is a combination of 16 major tribes, each
with their own ethnic festivals.
Sekrenyie is a festival of An-gami Nagas who live in
the capital's surroundings. The 10-dav festival,
held in Feb-end, is an attempt to invoke the gods to
bring good fortune and is celebrated with feasting
and dancing, among other rituals.
Tuluni is celebrated by Sema Nagas (8th July) for
five days with feasts, prayers and dances and is
associated with the harvest.
Tsungrem Mong is the harvest festival (Aug) of Ao
Nagas. Festivities include a demonstration of
physical prowess and skill in sports.
Tokhu Emong (7th Nov) is the Lotha Nagas' version of
a harvest festival, celebrated with songs and
dances.
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