nagaland being home to 16 major tribes, has many festivals which takes place through out the year, each festival is unique in its own sense. some of the most important festivals are:

• hornbill festival, sharing its name with state bird of nagaland, this festival celebrates the spirit and cultural diverseness of nagaland. it is often referred to as ‘festival of festivals’ and was first held in 2000 to promote inter-tribal communication. since than it has being held from december 1 to december 7 every year at naga heritage village, kisama around12 kms from kohima. all diverse tribes take part in this festival and contribute towards making it more vibrant and entertaining. this is a perfect to get a glimpse of understanding the naga culture. the most important attraction of this festival includes local delicacies, cultural dance performances, handicrafts sales and religious ceremonies. there is chili-eating competition during this festival which is a major attraction.

• aoleng festival celebrated by konyak naga tribe in mon district is held during first week of april every year. this festival marks the start of spring season and is one of the harvest festivals in nagaland. april also marks the beginning of new year as per konyak calendar. it is spread for around around six days. during the festival song and dance programmes of tribal people take place. people also make animal sacrifices to please the deity. considering the scale of celebration, this is the second most important festival after the hornbill festival celebrates. konyak tribes are the largest of all the tribes staying in nagaland and were known as one of the deadliest head hunters in ancient times.

• sekrenyi festival means ‘sanctification festival’ is a ten day long festival held around 25th february and is celebrated by angami nagas. it is locally is known as ‘phounsanyi’ and is aimed to cleanse the soul and the body off of all sins. as a part of the festival animals are hunted which are cooked and the food is served to the people who gathers for the festival. it promotes harmony amongst each tribe member.

• moatsii mong also known as moatsu is celebrated by ao people as harvesting festival after cleaning the fields of weeds and sowing of seeds. it is held for three days in the first week of may.  during the festival people dance and sing, feast and pray for good harvest. there is also a competition of making best rice wine.

• mim kut festival is again a harvest festival for kuki nagas which is celebrated after successful harvest of maize (the last crop of the season) called mim in the local language. as per the belief ancestral souls come and visit their families to bless them during the festival. it is held in december every year and is for two days. numerous games, contests, fairs and food stalls are organized.

• bushu dima celebrated by dimasa tribe on the completion harvest in january. it marks beginning of post harvest season. during the festival the produce of paddy fields are offered to god brai sibrai madai along with meat, grains and beer. during the festival, tribal men sing songs on the beats of drums known as kharam. games like long jump, high jump and stone throw are organized.

• tsukheneye another harvest festival held in the phek district is celebrated by chakhesang tribe on 6th march. it lasts for four days and is full of bright colors and happiness. it marks the end of a successful harvest year.