Zeliang Naga from the Peren district of Nagaland presenting their cultural dance at the Hornbill Fest 2013.
Zeme Naga is one of the sub-groups of Zeliangrong people. The Zeme inhabits the Northeastern states of India. Zemes reside in Dima Hasao of Assam, Tousem Sub-Division of Tamenglong district and Senapati district of Manipur, and Peren district of Nagaland. They are also thought to be residing in Tripura but it is yet to be documented.They have close ethnic/cultural affinity with three other cognate tribes, viz. Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui (Puimei) Nagas of Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. Zeme professes 'Paupaise' (indigenous belief system), 'Christianity' and 'Heraka'.
In Manipur, Zemes and Liangmais together were recognised as "Kacha Naga", while the Rongmei and Inpui (Puimei) as "Kabui". Zeme and Liangmai tribes are recognised as Zeliang by government of Nagaland (excluded Rongmei and Inpui (Puimei). The word "Kacha" is wrongly spelled. The actual word is "Ketsa" which originally is an Angami Naga word for thick forest. In 2012, the Zeme along with the Liangmai, Rongmei and Inpui in Manipur have been recognized as separate Schedules Tribes by the Government.
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 Cemetry. 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 7 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 colourful events. People from within India as well as foreign visitors experience and witness the colourful 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.
Source: Wikipedia
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