An active group of youth from the Lotha tribe sing and dance at the Main arena during the Hornbill Fest. They slap their thighs and produce quite a rhythm!
Lotha is the name of a major Naga tribe inhabiting the Wokha district of Nagaland, India. The Lothas started moving out from Eastern part of China, passing through Malaysia, Indonesia and Burma en route. After many long years of movement, they reached a place called Khezakhenoma located between Manipur and Chakesang (the present-day Phek), where they settled for a short period of time. From Khezakhenoma they moved towards the present day settlement of the Lothas ie. Wokha where they finally settled.
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 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 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.
Source :- Wikipedia
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