Nagaland mountains and festivals

Nagaland

নাগাল্যান্ড

Land of Festivals and warrior tribes, home to the famous Hornbill Festival, rich tribal heritage, and vibrant cultural traditions. The Switzerland of the East with pristine landscapes and indigenous communities.

Capital: Kohima
20 Lakh People
Nagaland Map
1 Dec 1963
Statehood Day
16,579
Area (km²)
12
Districts
English
Official Language

About Nagaland

Nagaland, known as the "Land of Festivals," is home to diverse Naga tribes with rich warrior traditions and vibrant cultural heritage. The state is famous for the Hornbill Festival, often called the "Festival of Festivals," which showcases the traditions of all Naga tribes in a spectacular celebration.

With its rolling hills, pristine forests, and strong tribal identity, Nagaland maintains unique customs including traditional village councils, indigenous crafts, and age-old festivals. The state's predominantly Christian population has created a unique blend of traditional and modern cultures.

Major Cities

Kohima

State capital, World War II battlefield, and cultural center.

Population: 1.2+ Lakh

Dimapur

Commercial hub, railway connectivity, and largest city.

Population: 1.2+ Lakh

Mokokchung

Ao tribal headquarters, cultural center, and educational hub.

Population: 35,000+

Tourist Attractions

Hornbill Festival

Festival of Festivals showcasing all Naga tribes' culture and traditions.

Kisama

Kohima War Cemetery

World War II memorial, Battle of Kohima commemoration site.

Kohima

Dzukou Valley

Valley of flowers, trekking paradise on Nagaland-Manipur border.

Kohima

Japfu Peak

Second highest peak in Nagaland, rhododendron sanctuary.

Kohima

Khonoma Village

First green village in India, traditional Angami Naga culture.

Kohima

Intanki National Park

Wildlife sanctuary with elephants, tigers, and diverse flora.

Dimapur

Culture & Traditions

Tribal Festivals

Hornbill Festival, Aoling (Konyak), Sekrenyi (Angami), Tuluni (Sumi), and tribal harvest celebrations.

Traditional Crafts

Naga shawls, bamboo and cane work, wood carving, and traditional jewelry making.

Warrior Heritage

Head-hunting traditions (historical), warrior dances, and tribal warfare customs.

Naga Cuisine

Smoked Pork

Traditional pork preparation with bamboo shoots

Axone

Fermented soybean curry, staple Naga dish

Galho

Rice porridge with vegetables and meat

Naga King Chilli

World's hottest chilli, used in various preparations

Zutho

Traditional rice beer, ceremonial drink

Economic Profile

₹35,000 Cr

State GDP

Growing economy in Northeast

80.1%

Literacy Rate

Above national average

75%

Forest Cover

Rich biodiversity

Key Industries

  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Handloom & Handicrafts
  • Agriculture & Horticulture
  • Forest Products

Agricultural Products

  • Rice, Maize, Millet
  • King Chilli, Ginger, Turmeric
  • Orange, Pineapple, Banana
  • Coffee, Tea, Cardamom

Notable Personalities

Temjen Imna Along

Born 1970

Current Chief Minister of Nagaland

Rano M. Shaiza

Born 1963

First woman IAS officer from Nagaland

Kailash Kher

Born 1973

Renowned playback singer

Neiphiu Rio

Born 1950

Veteran politician, former Chief Minister