Nagaland is one of northeastern Indian states full of life, colorful traditions and beautiful sceneries. Here’s a glimpse into its captivating world:
Stunning Landscapes:
- Majestic Mountains: The landscape of Nagaland is predominantly hilly and mountainous as it The Eastern Himalaya range runs through most of Naga territory. Of these, Saramati stands highest at an altitude of 3840 meters.
- Lush Valleys: It has many valleys where trekking becomes possible; the most famous of the is the Dzukou Valley marked with rhododendrons flowers.
- Dense Forests: Nagaland is very rich in forest cover and this forest includes ever green, semi-ever green, wet, moist deciduous and pine forests and all these support different types of wild lives.
Vibrant Cultures:
- Diverse Tribes: In totality, twelve tribes recognized the Nagaland Indian state where 16 major tribes are residing and each of them possesses its distinctive culture, language, and practices.
- Colorful Festivals: The state bursts with colours in form festivals well celebrated all year round including the Hornbill festival that depicts the cultural wealth of the Nagas.
Traditional costume of the Naga tribe of Northeast India: vivid and spectacular, depicting the richness of the exclusiveness of tribes in this region. Naga traditional dress for both male and female differs from one Naga Tribe to the other but their clothing is striking by its Colors, embroidery and accessories.
Traditional Dress for Women
Naga traditional dress for women is most times tender and they dress in a very graceful manner. The most popular type of clothing is the ‘Mekhela, ‘ which is essentially a beautifully coloured and designed skirt ‘wrap-around’ worn with ‘Rih’ which is a blouse or the special gown type of shawl. They are commonly fibre-based, occasionally weaved from cotton or silk and are ornamented with patterns and designs dear from nature or mythology. Plain or embroidered Rih can be even sewn to clothes, belts, bags or scarfs as the national accessories like necklace, ear-ring, bangle etc.
Another famous colourful traditional gown for women is the Angami a long dress made of cotton or silk. The Angami – A type of coat is worn with Mechala, which is shawl and worn over the shoulders. The Angami shawl is usually reinforced with embroidery or beads, and is complemented by traditional accessories such as necklaces, earrings and bangles.
Traditional Dress for Men
Naga traditional dress for men is generally easier and less flashy when compared to dressing of women among the Nagas. The frequentest worn clothing asset is Alungstu, a blanket with sleeve cutting from cotton or silks. The Alungstu is usually used alongside the Kilt which is a short skirt from the cotton or wool material. It can be elaborated in patterns and designs on its fabric: The Kilt is usually accompanied by accoutrements include headgear, Necklaces, and bracelets.
Another traditional dress of men among the Naga is the Shawl, which is a piece of cloth measuring several yards in length, and is worn hanging from the shoulders. The Shawl can be made using cotton or wool and has patterns and designs at its two ends of the cloth. The Shawl is traditionally worn with head gear, necklaces and bangles.
Besides the traditional fabrics, Naga people also used accessories including head gear, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets. Such hosiery accessories are usually made from silver, gold or any other type of metal and are may be designed in elaborate ways.
Naming the garments traditionally used by the Naga people the traditional outfits, I still think they are an essential component of the Naga culture. They take it as representing who they are, as something which should be proud of. The Naga people are very active in ensuring that their traditional dress is worn today and will also be worn by generations to come.
