Khiamniungan Naga showcasing the Naga style of cultivation during the Hornbill Fest - 2013.
The Khiamniungan as a distinct tribal group occupies the easternmost part of India and northwestern part of Myanmar. In india, they are found in Tuensang district of Nagaland state. They are linked linguistically as well as culturally to the Tibeto-Burman. The origin of the Khiamniungans remain shrouded in mystery. There is no written record of the origin of the Khiamniungans. According to popular myth, the early ancestors of Khiamniungan are said to have emerged in a place called KHIAMNIUNGAN, meaning, SOURCE OF GREAT WATERS. This place is identified near Lengnyu-Tsuwao villages over looking from the present day Pathso and Noklak Town. Legend has that the ancestors spread from there to different directions whose descendants make up the present day Khiamniungans. Oral traditions in the form of folktales and bedtime stories had been the only source through which they came to know about their ancestor's life, in the absence of any literary tradition. Having inherited certain fundamental socio-cultural traits, religious beliefs and practices from these early inhabitants of the Khiamniungan, the present day Khiamniungans habits both in India and Myanmar. But they possess the legacy of one cultural heritage and identity. It is noted that the Khiamniungans were earlier referred to as "Kalyu Kanyu", particularly in the works of anthropologists(courtesy- Furer Haimendorf).
The tribes of Nagaland celebrate their festivals with appreciation and fervor. More than 60% of the population of Nagaland depends on agriculture and therefore most of their festivals revolve around agriculture. They consider their festivals sacred and so participation in these festivals is essential.
Nagaland is known as the land of festivals, as each tribe celebrates its own festival with dedication and passion. Some of the important festivals celebrated by the Naga people are:To encourage inter-tribal interaction and to promote cultural heritage of Nagaland, the Government of Nagaland organizes the Hornbill Festival every year in the first week of December.
Organized by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments, Hornbill Festival showcases a mélange of cultural displays under one roof. This festival usually takes place between the 1st and the 10th of December every year in Kohima.
Hornbill Festival is held at Naga Heritage Village, Kisama which is about 12 km from Kohima. All the tribes of Nagaland take part in this festival. The aim of the festival is to revive and protect the rich culture of Nagaland and display its extravaganza and traditions.
For visitors it means a closer understanding of the people and culture of Nagaland, and an opportunity to experience the food, songs, dances and customs of Nagaland.
The Festival is named after the Indian Hornbill, the large and colourful forest bird which is displayed in folklore in most of the state's tribes.
The week long festival unites one and all in Nagaland and people enjoy the colourful performances, crafts, sports, food fairs, games and ceremonies. Traditional arts which include paintings, wood carvings, and sculptures are also on display.
Festival highlights include the Traditional Naga Morungs Exhibition and sale of Arts and Crafts, Food Stalls, Herbal Medicine Stalls, Flower shows and sales, Cultural Medley - songs and dances, Fashion shows, Beauty Contest, Traditional Archery, Naga wrestling, Indigenous Games, and Musical concert.
The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. The festival both exposes the culture and tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagaland's identity as a unique state in India's federal union.
Traditional arts are also featured, with paintings, wood carvings and sculptures by modern Naga artists on display. Naga troupes sing folk songs, perform traditional dances and play indigenous games and sports. In the evenings a programme of music concerts, catering for all tastes, ensure that the festive spirit continues through the night.
Source :- Wikipedia
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