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Information for Naga Tribe
Naga hill region is one of the famous tourism destinations in Myanmar. The Naga are a tribe living in the mountains, valleys and plains of one of the most remote places on earth. Naga hill lies in the northwest corner of Myanmar, close to the Indian border. The snow-capped Mt. Saramati on Naga hill is 3,828m high. Khamti is the most famous town of Naga land. The traditional customs and religious beliefs of the Naga tribes have not died out till today yet.
The main Naga tribes have different costumes and some small differences in customs, but they are still of one main race. There are 49 sub-tribes differentiated by their spoken languages. They are a proud people living in an isolated land, preferring to be left alone in their own region. Few feel the need or desire to travel beyond their borders. They may not enjoy a life style of ease with modern comforts but they have a different view of what constitutes happiness. For them, it is not worldly goods nor high style living, but a life as close to nature as possible-- the way their ancestors lived, roaming freely over the mountains and living by hunting. They live as strictly according to old customs as their ancestors did.
Different tribes have their own costumes, lovingly handed down from generation to generation. Fantastic headdresses of colorful plumes, beads, bone, horn and tusks are priceless items, which they treasure above gold. Their robes are closely woven from thick cotton or wool, dyed in bright colors, and embroidered with cowry shells. Each pattern has a story that the weaver wanted to record. They wear everything in every color. The females wear tattoos on their foreheads and chins.
Insignias of leaders are apparent: bands of woven armlets made of cane, or special spears and extra necklaces. Their finery is not merely for decorative purposes as each piece has its own meaning, each piece marks an event or status of their people.
Rice wine is always ready in pots at homes. Shared with others, it is a drink of friendship, of sealing goodwill between friends and strangers.
Naga's biggest festival is New Year festival which annually celebrated on 14 & 15 January, called Kaing Bi . There is a great feasting and joy and tribes gather to join the revelries. On this occasion, endless cups of rice wine are drunk, bison and wild boar meat roasted and eaten, tribal dances performed with loud beating of drums. Visitors are welcomed, for they are curious about strangers although they prefer to stay home. The visitors on their part have a chance to see events and people living in old ways. It is not meant as entertainment for tourists but because it is a natural part of their life. If strangers join in their celebrations, they are welcomed; it is good to share the happiness.
As all Naga tribes participate in this occasion, it is the golden opportunity to see variety of different Naga people at once.
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