Nagaland – one of the most beautiful and hilly states of India. It is home to 17 major tribes and several sub-tribes. Among them, the Angami Tribe is known not just for their colorful culture, but also for their honesty.
To meet this community, I first traveled to Jakhama Village, just 20 kilometers from Kohima, the capital city of Nagaland. This village is a popular tourist spot because of its natural beauty and charming hillside homes.
As I walked through the village, I saw neat and clean lanes, beautiful flowers blooming outside every house, and traditional wooden homes decorated with unique Naga-style designs. Some houses were built on steep hills, and the view from those houses was absolutely mesmerizing.
One common feature in many Naga villages is the Morung. Earlier, it was like a boys’ hostel where young boys were trained to become warriors. Today, Morungs are used more as community centers for social gatherings.
The Angami people are hardworking. You’ll often find them engaged in jhum farming, collecting firewood, and harvesting grains for daily life.
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Traditional Dress and Culture
The traditional attire of the Angami tribe is both beautiful and meaningful.
- Angami women wear a white wrap-around skirt called Loramhoushu, bordered with colorful patterns. They also wear handmade beaded jewelry in shades of orange, black, white, and more.
- Angami men wear a headgear made of bamboo, feathers, and threads, called Süla. This ceremonial head-dress is very unique. They also wear cotton-woven shawls with stripes. The more stripes a man has on his shawl, the higher his status in the village. Some even wear cowrie shells, which signify that they have killed an enemy – a symbol of bravery and honor.
Music and Messages
Angami folk songs often carry stories from their tribe’s history, messages of love, unity, and peace.
One such song I heard was about two young people who fall in love and stay together forever. Another song had a message like, “If you leave me, you may never return. But let’s stay together in peace.”
They sing about youth, community, and the importance of staying united. These songs are not just music – they are stories of life and culture.
The Code of Honesty
Though most village people in general are honest, Angamis are especially respected for it. Why? Because their ancestors created a special “Code of Honesty”, known as Kenhü or Taboos. It contains 154 rules that teach people to live with honesty, respect, and harmony with nature.
Thanks to this code, Khonoma Village – an Angami village – became India’s first Green Village. Here, there is no hunting, and no cutting of forests. Every household follows organic farming and believes in sustainable living.
How to Reach Jakhama Village
If you’re planning to visit Jakhama Village, where the Angami tribe lives, here’s how you can reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dimapur Airport. It is around 74 km from Kohima. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared sumo to Kohima.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is also in Dimapur. It is well-connected to Guwahati, Kolkata, and other parts of Northeast India.
- By Road: From Kohima, Jakhama Village is just 20 kilometers away. You can hire a local cab, or for a more local experience, hop on a shared taxi or bus.
The drive from Kohima to Jakhama is beautiful, with green hills and curvy mountain roads. The road journey itself feels like a nature trail.
Sekrenyi – The Purification Festival of Angami Tribe
One of the most important festivals of the Angami tribe is Sekrenyi, celebrated every year in February. It is a festival of purification and renewal.
The word ‘Sekrenyi’ means to sanctify or cleanse, and that’s exactly what this 10-day celebration is about. Traditionally, men would perform rituals by taking a sacred bath, followed by village feasts, songs, and community gatherings.
The Heart of Sekrenyi: Culture, Songs & Unity
During Sekrenyi, villagers wear their traditional clothes, sing folk songs, and perform age-old rituals. Young boys and girls join hands in dances and play traditional games. Earlier, it also marked the initiation of young boys into adulthood.
Even though many rituals have reduced after the arrival of Christianity, the spirit of togetherness, respect for ancestors, and celebration of community is still alive.
As for me, I’ll keep bringing you more such untold tribal stories. Until then, Khushiyan Always!
Other stories from North-East India
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- Are you WORTHY to wear this HELMET?? | Nyishi Tibe | Arunachal Pradesh |