Phom tribe from Nagaland singing polyphonic ditty

2014-08-12 50

Phom women presenting a folk song at Naga Heritage village. Is this polyphonic singing? Please help us identify the style. Does this remind you of Native American singing in some ways...? This is a harvest song as the women seem to be pounding grain in the stone mortar and pestle type arrangements and others are winnowing the chaff from wheat.

Phom is a Naga tribe from Nagaland, India. Their traditional territory lies between the territories of Konyak in the north-east, the Ao in the west and the Chang in the south. Yongnyah is the largest Phom village.

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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