The Sangtams are a Naga tribe living in the Tuensang and Kiphire districts of Nagaland.
Like many other tribal groups in Northeast India, they practice jhum, or shifting cultivation. Unlike other Naga tribes in Nagaland, many of the Sangtam have retained their traditional beliefs in spite of embracing Christianity at the same time. Sangtams celebrate twelve different festivals, in particular Mongmong, all of which are affiliated with their traditional culture and religion.
The Sangtam people are one of the major tribes in Nagaland. Towards the Southern part of Nagaland, we have the Sangtam inhabited area under the Kiphire district. The Northern part of Sangtam includes the Longkhim-Chare sub-division of Tuensang district. They are united under the common banner called "United Sangtam." There are 62 (sixty two) villages among the Sangtams, 24 villages under Longkhim-Chare sub-division and 38 villages under Kiphire district. There are seven government administrative towns under united Sangtam jurisdiction. During the recent years, another part of Sangtam land has been recognized under Dimapur district namely Tsithrongse, Sangtamtila and Murise villages.
Nagaland, 'The Land of Festivals' and the warm Naga people, lies in the North Eastern part of India. Historically, the Nagas are known as headhunters and have always been brave warriors.
Sometimes Nagaland is also referred to as "The Switzerland of the East". The region is primarily hilly and has a pleasant climate all through the year. It is perhaps the best place for the adventurous at heart and makes an ideal place for trekking and camping.
Also known as Paradise on earth. The Dzukou Valley is the most famed valley of Nagaland and the natural beauty of the area is absolutely captivating.
Another attraction for tourists is the Kohima War Cemetery. The cemetery is a tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives pushing back the Japanese army during the Second World War. The bodies of around 1,100 British and 330 Indian soldiers are buried here.
One of the biggest cathedrals of North East India is located at Aradura Hill in Kohima. Its magnificent architecture makes it an important landmark of Kohima.
The Hornbill Festival is named after the Hornbill, a large, magnificent forest bird.
Held every year at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama about 12 kms from Kohima, the festival is held over a period of 10 days annually. The entire Heritage Village was built for the sole purpose of hosting this festival and the16 tribes of Nagaland each have their own representative hut in the village. Organized by the Govt. of Nagaland, the festival showcases the entire spectrum of the rich culture of the various Naga tribes.
The Hornbill festival was created to bring together the various tribes of the State to display their culture and tradition in the form of dances, songs, sports, foods and many other colorful events. People from within India as well as foreign visitors experience and witness the colorful festival with great enthusiasm.
Delicious, mouth-watering and typically Naga food from the different tribes is served in various huts or morungs. Each Morung also has its own restaurant, which serves their specific tribal delicacy. Rice beer is always in great demand and tourists don't mind standing in long serpentine queues for a taste of the same.
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