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The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on
December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. It is bounded
by Assam in the West, Myanmar (Burma) on the east, Arunachal Pradesh and
part of Assam on the North and Manipur in the South. The State consists
of Eleven Administrative Districts, inhabited by 16 major tribes along
with other sub-tribes. Each tribe is distinct in character from the
other in terms of customs, language and dress.
It is a land of folklore passed down the generations through word of
mouth. Here, music is an integral part of life; folk songs eulogizing
ancestors, the brave deeds of warriors and traditional heroes; poetic
love songs immortalizing ancient tragic love stories; Gospel songs that
touch your soul (should you have a religious bend of mind) or the modern
tunes rendered exquisitely to set your feet a-tapping.
Each of the 16 odd tribes and sub-tribes that dwell in this exotic hill
State can easily be distinguished by the colourful and intricately
designed costumes, jewellery and beads that they adorn. The present
generation of Nagas have ventured into fashion designing in a big way,
reproducing fabrics that represent the ancestral motifs blended with
modern appeal. Indeed, it is a beautiful mix of the past with the
present…… a paradise for those who are into fashion designing. This is
an affluent fashion station of the East.
The traditional ceremonial attire of each tribe is in itself, an awe
inspiring sight to behold; the multicoloured spears and daos decorated
with dyed goats hair, the headgear made of finely woven bamboo
interlaced with orchid stems, adorned with boar's teeth and hornbill's
feathers, elephant tusk armlets….. You name it! In days of yore every
warrior had to earn each of these items through acts of valour, to wear
them.
Nature could not have been kinder to Nagaland, sometimes referred to as
the Switzerland of the East; the exquisitely picturesque landscapes, the
vibrantly colourful sunrise and sunset, lush and verdant flora….. this
is a land that represents unimaginable beauty, moulded perfectly for a
breath taking experience.
Nagaland is blessed with salubrious climate throughout the year and one
can visit it anytime. If one is looking for a quiet getaway, from the
hustle and bustle of city life, it provides the right ambience; as life
here is laidback and slow - providing a tension free life.
For the adventurous and the intrepid, Nagaland is an ideal place for
trekking, rock climbing, jungle camping and offers limitless exploration
possibilities in its lush and verdant sub-tropical rain forests which
are also a treasure trove of a plethora of medicinal plants.
Nagas, by nature, are lovers of fun and frolic and here life is one long
festival. The Nagas with their joie de vivre, dance and songs are a part
and parcel of all their festivities. Most of their dances are performed
with a robust rhythm. |