Tokhu Emong: A Cultural Spectacle in Nagaland

Talk about harvest festivals in India and you cannot miss the colourful Thoku Emong of Nagaland. Celebrated by the Lotha tribe of Nagaland, this vibrant festival goes on for around nine days and it is one of the biggest social gatherings in the state. Every year in the first week of November, farmers complete the harvest and get ready for this cultural extravaganza. From tribal dances to tribal food, attending the festival is undoubtedly the best way to soak in the essence of Nagaland.

Nagaland is blessed with abundant natural beauty

Welcome to Nagaland

Separated through geographical, linguistic, cultural and economical barriers, Nagaland might seem like a different country altogether. Tucked in the easternmost corner of India, Nagaland witnesses an early sunrise and sunset. Consequently, most of the offices and markets here are also shut by sunset. A majority of the people in Nagaland are Christians and the literacy rate is also better than many parts of India. Though everything about Nagaland might seem strange and new to a North or South Indian, travelling here for the first time, a long holiday in the state will remove all cultural barriers and will explain how most of the customs of Nagaland are rooted in their history and topography just like any other part of the country.

The Festival

The dances and the various performances held during the festival represent the happiness and thankfulness of the people. Priest and leaders of the tribe give speeches and cite the importance of the festival that helps in keeping old traditions alive. Students, women, men and even old citizens participate in the festival with full enthusiasm.

The highlight of the festival is the dance performances. Men and women don their traditional attire and perform some old and rare tribal dances. Each dance has a special meaning. While some are performed to thank and please the deities most dances are war dances and the dancers can be seen performing with weapons like spears and sticks. Full of revelry and gaiety, these nine days of the festival are spent singing, dancing and feasting away.

Men in Nagaland dressed in traditional attire | Photo Credit: rajkumar1220 / Flickr

Exploring Nagaland

This November, plan a full-fledged trip to Nagaland, starting from the festivities of Tokhu Emong, go on to visit the historically important Kohima War Memorial. The large cemetery has over 1400 memorial stones of the soldiers of the allies. The memorial is also referred to as the ‘Stalingrad of East’. Another attraction of Kohima is the well-preserved Naga Heritage Village which transports one to the world of the Nagas. You can also keep a day for Intanki Wildlife Sanctuary where you can spot several rare animals like a barking deer, flying squirrel, hoolock gibbon and more. In the evening, go for shopping at the Tibetan Market where you can buy everything from a needle to exquisite handicrafts.

Nagaland can be easily reached by flights. The only airport in Nagaland is at Dimapur, which enjoys regular connectivity to Kolkata airport. Planning a trip? Explore Nagaland to the fullest with MakeMyTrip’s customised holiday packages.