Fairs and Festivals of Nagaland

Nagaland have been known to the other states and outside India by their ethnic tribal culture. All the distinctive features turns into a feast whenever the religious, spiritual and musical aspects of each festival comes into play. The variety of festivals is due to the existence of various tribes in the state.


¤ Sekreyi (February)

The festival of Sekreyi is celebrated in the month of February by the Angami tribals. The ten-day festival is also called Phousanyi by the Angamis.

¤ Aoling Monyu (March)

By the end of March, Aoling Monyu festival is celebrated by the Konyaks tribe and it stretches for six days. The festival marks the end of winter of the previous year and heralds the New Year beginning with spring.


¤ Moatsu

The Aos observe Moatsu after the sowing is done. Stretching over a period of six days, the festival is marked by vigorous merry-making after the hard labour of farming.


¤ Naknyulum (July)

Celebrated during the first week of July, Naknyulum is the festival of the Chang Nagas celebrated for a period of six days. The Chang decorate their houses with a special kind of tree, the Ngunam.


¤ Tuluni (July)

The Tuluni is held in the month of July and is the most important festival of the Semas. The festival is marked by the prayers and offerings to Litsaba - the deity of fruitfulness who gives life and protection to the crops.


¤ Hornbill Festival (December)

The Hornbill festival is celebrated every year at Kohima from the first to fifth of December.


¤ Metemneo (December)
"The Yimchungers celebrate the Metemneo festival after the millet crop is harvested. This festival is dedicated mainly for the souls of the departed.


¤ Tsokum(October)

The Khiamgans celebrate the festival of Tsokum in the month of October, which is also associated with harvesting.


¤ Amongmong (September)

The Sangtams celebrate Amongmong in the first week of September when the new crop is ready for harvesting. The main feature of the festival is the worship of the God of the house and the three cooking stones in the fireplace.


¤ Tokhu Emong

Tokhu Emong is celebrated by the Lothas once the harvesting is over and the granaries are full.


¤ Ngada (November/December)

Ngadaisan annual celebration of the Rwengma Nagas observed towards the end of November / December. It is believed that during this festival, the spirits of the dead visit their graves and the homes of their relatives.


¤ Monyu (April)

Monyu is celebrated by the Phoms after the sowing of paddy every year, from the first to third of April.


¤ Christmas (December)

Christmas is celebrated throughout the state as almost all of the people are Christians. This is definitely a pleasant time of the year as the people gather in churches, sing gospels and rejoice on everything. Though the Christmas is on 25th of December, the whole month exudes pomp and festive spirit.