CULTURE OF NORTH EASTERN INDIA – FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS OF NAGALAND
CULTURE OF NORTH EASTERN INDIA –
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS OF NAGALAND
FESTIVALS:
Chakhesangs are one of the Naga tribes that celebrate Tsukhenyie
festival which is the onset of the sowing season. Traditional part of the
Tsukhenyie festival is that the sacrificial offering of a rooster, a particular
that crow at the crack of dawn is slathered, and then all men gather to bathe
in cold water as a ritual of purification. Moatsu festival is celebrated by Ao
tribe and the main idea behind this is to seek blessing from God after doing
all the heavy work. Sangpangtu is celebrated during this festival where a big fire is lit and men and women sit
around putting on their best attire. Mongmong means "Togetherness
Forever." It is a wwwk long harvest festival celebrated by Sangtam tribe.
MARRIAGE:
There are two forms of marriage—one
ceremonial, the other non Ceremonial. Ceremonial marriage is of involving the
services of a Marriage broker, the negotiation of marriage price etc., Non
ceremonial marriage involves the taking of a woman to the house of a man where
they remain kenna (forbidden) for one day. The Lhota and the Semas are
polygynous, a husband having as many as three wives. The Angamis are
monogamous.
Dance:
Chansang dance is performed in praise of the birth-place of mankind and the earth.
Prayers run neck to neck along with the dance during the festival to which the
dance is associated in order to propitiate the sky God. Monyu Asho is the dance
performed by the Phom Nagas during the festival Mhonyu. It marks the end of the
winter. Melo Phita is performed by Angamis. Lotha tribe perform ‘ Rukhyo-Sharu’
whichliterally means ‘victory dance.'
MUSIC:
During
the major festivals the tribes of Nagaland gather in a place and share the
music of Heliamleu. Known as one of the oldest music forms of Nagaland music
Heliamleu boasts of a rich and vibrant heritage. Being a part of the Nagaland
music Hereileu song is composed on such themes as the past deeds of the aged
people of the state. It is specially sung by the old people of the place.
Neuleu song is sung by the older
generation and they narrate a certain happening that took place in Nagaland
many years ago.
BY
R.VARSHAA
The celebration part of nagaland is really fascinating and it is explained crisply in this blog.
ReplyDeleteG.Abirami
Hamsika
ReplyDeleteThe customs and traditions of Nagaland is clearly explained. The pictures of their dance form and costume is very attractive.
The information on festivals is very interesting - Archita. T. Menon
ReplyDeleteIt is a well written and informative blog. The pictures were also very attractive. The blog has enabled me to know a lot about the culture of Nagaland.
ReplyDeleteFaaiqa Aisha
The dance forms, marriage rituals etc are very unique.
ReplyDeleteFaadila Aisha