CULTURE OF NORTH EASTERN INDIA – NAGALAND

CULTURE OF NORTH EASTERN INDIA – NAGALAND

RELIGION:

INDIGENOUS RELIGION

                Nagaland is known as “the only predominantly Baptist state in the world” and more than 96 per cent of the Naga people identify themselves as Christian. The British converted the Naga tribes from folk religion traditions in the mid 19^th century. The Rongmei and Zeliang Nagas are known to have a considerable non-Christian population. According to A.Nshoga, a Naga research scholar, “the traditional Naga religion or tribal belief is a multifaceted religion with the combination of theism, animism, supernaturalism, superstition, shamanism and lycanthropism.” The indigenous Naga religion is a belief in the existence of spirits.

ART AND CRAFT:

                                      

              Naga women are excellent weavers. The ‘backstrap’ or the loin loom is commonly used for weaving, although, in recent years the fly shuttle loom has become popular with the weavers. Basketry is also popular in Nagaland. They are woven from fine strips of cane and bamboo, Naga women are also well known for  pottery. Iron tin and brass was used to produce weapons as well items of utility and ornaments. Jewellery and beadwork is also popular with local craftsmen. To this day, the local dao, spears, chisels, ornaments and other items of utility are made by local blacksmith. Woodcarving is also famous among them.

DRESS: 

Tsungkotepsu

                               

          The pattern of bands coloured red and yellow on top of black cloth is common amongst the dresses of Angami tribe. Lothas have a separate distinction of shawls on the basis of the number of gennas which are performed by the one wearing it. Therefore, a person who has performed the first genna wears a shawl known as phangrhup, the stripes which widen after the second genna is performed by the person. Tsungkotepsu is an Ao warrior shawl which has a variety of figures including those of tiger, Mithun, elephant, cock, a human head and spear on top of it. 

CUISINE:  

SMOKED PORK STEW

         Smoked pork stew is the dried smoky pork that  was chopped into bite sized pieces before being boiled in a thin soup that included potatoes, tomatoes, and chillies. One of the most famous Nagaland food dishes is dry bamboo shoots cooked with pork. Bamboo steamed fish is also famous in Nagaland. After the fish were cooked, they were simply emptied out of the bamboo into a bowl and ready to be served. Beans mix is the healthy earthy mixture included beans, tomatoes, peas, cabbage and all sort of other natural Nagaland ingredients.

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                                                                                     R.VARSHAA