The people of Mizoram are popularly known as Mizos. They belong to the Mongloid race and are divided into several tribes namely - Lushais, Pawis, Paithes, Kukis, Himars, Pang etc. A dominant part of the Mizo population, almost 95%, is Christian. Some groups even believe that they are the lost tribes of Israel and have converted to Judaism.

Mizoram has the second highest literacy rate of 87% in India, after Kerala. Though the Mizos have adopted English as their medium of instruction, the Mizo language is still widely spoken. These highlanders are primarily cultivators, with agriculture being the main profession. Infact, almost all the festivals of Mizoram are connected with agricultural activities. These people are known to practice the 'Jhum' or shifting cultivation. However, they have now become aware of the harmful effects of such an agricultural pattern and with a lot of help and encouragement from the government, have switched over to a new method of contour farming on hill slopes. Efforts are on to promote industrialization in Mizoram. Under the new industrial policy of Mizoram (1989), the focus has been on some priority industries such as agro and forest based industries, handloom and handicrafts, electronics and consumer industries.

To this day, the Mizos have kept alive their rich and unique cultural heritage. It boasts of a number of folk and community dances having a unique tribal flavour and get passed down over the generations. The most popular of these dances are the 'Cheraw' (Bamboo-dance), 'Khuallam' (dance for visitors or guests) and 'Chheih Lam' (performed at the end of a day's work). Their popular festivals, apart from Christmas and New Years day include Chapchar Kut, Pawl Kut and Mim Kut.

The Mizo society is bounded by an interesting tradition whereby every Mizo is bound to be hospitable, kind and unselfish, and helpful to the poor and needy. So one can definitely expect a warm and hospitable welcome if they happen to make a sudden visit there.

In Mizoram, almost all the festivals are connected with agricultural activities. This is so because the Mizos are primarily cultivators. But these festivals are celebrated among the people with a lot of enthusiasm and joy.

Since a dominant part of the Mizo population is Christian, hence Christmas is one of their most important and popular festivals. Singing, dancing, feasting and lot of merriment mark this festival. They also celebrate New Year's Day with lot of pomp and show.

Among the other festivals, CHAPCHAR KUT is celebrated in the months of February-March. The clearing of jungles for cultivation of the Jhum crop marks this festival. PAWL KUT is another festival, which is celebrated in the month of December, after the harvesting season. This is the time when the granary is full in every house. Last but not the least is MIM KUT, celebrated after the harvest of Maize crop in the month of September. This festival is dedicated to the departed souls.

Mizoram is known for a number of famous dance forms, which are performed on specific occasions.

Popularly called' CHERAW,' this dance is performed using bamboos. The bamboos are beaten in a rythmic manner while the dancers hop and jump over them in a particular fashion, matching the rythem.

This dance is performed in honour of the guests or visitors.

At the end of a day's work when everybody is free, the people indulge in this dance form to enjoy and relax.