AOLING FESTIVAL OF NAGALAND
Nagaland is largely a mountainous state in Northeast India shares its border with Myanmar. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur. Nagaland is known in India as the land of festivals.
The state is inhabited by 16 major tribes — Ao, Angami, Chang, Konyak, Lotha, Sumi, Chakhesang, Khiamniungan, Dimasa Kachari, Phom, Rengma, Sangtam, Yimchunger, Kuki, Zeme-Liangmai (Zeliang) and Pochury as well as a number of sub-tribes. Each tribe is unique in character with its own distinct customs, language and dress. Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and Dimapur is the gateway of Nagaland near the border with Assam Dimapur airport.
Aoling Festival ofNagaland is one of the most celebrated festivals in the northeast India. One should come and enjoy this Aoiling festival with the Nagas Konyak Tribe. It is celebrated during spring season and is a time when the Konyaks are at their most jolly mood, displaying their fun and laughter.
The first day of the festival is called Hoi Lah Nyih. The preparation starts where villagers collect firewood and the vegetable items prepare food and wear new traditional clothes and ornaments. On this day, entire villager’s takes part in the ritual of soothsaying, where chickens are sacrificed and the future is predicted.
Next two days, Yin Mok Pho Nyih and Mok Shek Nyih they search and gather domestic animals which will be killed in the festival. The fourth day, Lingnyu Nyih, is the most important day, men and women of the Konyak Tribe wear new colourful traditional dresses and ornaments. Whole day is spent celebrating through beautiful traditional dances, singing, drinking, and with endless joy. The ancient headhunting ritual of the Konyak Tribe is also done during this day, where Konyak men start dancing from the village gate, shoot their guns in the air and appear to hold their enemy’s head in their hands as a display of victory. After this the days are spent honouring and meeting each other’s families and relatives, and remembering their loved ones who have passed away.
In this tour, you will get to visit remote places of Nagaland. You can also take part in Aoling Festival, where you will be offered warm hospitality and great comfort. You will be offered all the facilities by Nature hunt and eco Tour Company, come enjoy and experience the tribe of northeast India.
