Nagaland is a well known state of north-eastern India, which is bordered on the west by Assam, on the east by Burma, on the north by Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and on the south by Manipur. This narrow strip of mountain territory is home to the fierce Naga warriors, after whom this state takes its name.

Extending over an area of about 17,000-sq km, Nagaland's endless panorama of scenic wonders has never ceased to delight the nature lovers. With its wooded mountains, green valleys, deep gorges, rivers and streams and a plethora of flora and fauna, Nagaland is no less than a paradise.

When the British entered Assam in the 19th century, they set up a post at Kohima in Nagaland. The Nagas eventually besieged this post, but the two parties however, arrived at a truce towards the end of the 19th century. The British agreed not to violate certain boundaries of the Nagas and were thus able to establish permanent peace. During World War II, when the Japanese together with the Indian National Army, attacked Kohima to dislodge the British, the Nagas proved to be useful allies of the British in this war.

After the Indian independence in 1947, the Nagas, who had come to accept the British presence, did not want to join India. Some Naga groups demanded autonomy and hence a state of insurgency prevailed for quite some time. However, on December 31st 1963, Nagaland was declared a separate state and the agitation for a fully independent status was soon abandoned, when in 1975, the Naga rebel groups accepted the statehood within the Indian Constitution.

A majority of the people of Nagaland are Christians, though originally they were animists. This land is inhabited by 16 groups of the Tibeto-Burmese tribes, notable among which are the Angamis, Kukis, Konyaks, Aos, Lothas, Semas and Wanchus. Nagas have always been known for being fierce warriors and they were also once notorious head hunters.

The warring tribes believed that the enemy's animated soul (called 'Yaha' in Wanchu dialect) could be freed only by beheading the neck, since the soul resided at the nape of the neck. They also believed that a spiritual soul 'Mio' resided in a head and brought prosperity and good fortune. They therefore used to carry home the heads of the dead comrades, in an attempt to acquire extra 'Mio', thereby inviting more prosperity.

The Naga villages located atop hills and ridges are protected by stone walls. Every village has a 'Morung' or a meeting house where weapons and prizes of war are stored. These buildings can be as much as 20m long and 10m high and is also used as a dormitory for boys. A huge sacred drum made of a hollowed tree trunk and carved to resemble a buffallo head, stands by each Morung.

The Nagas wear traditionally colourful attires. The wooden images, masks, jewelry and headgear adorned by these tribal people, best represents their rich culture and tradition. The women here still practise the ancient craft of weaving on portable looms. Infact, strips of colourful cloth so woven are stitched together and made into beautiful shawls of different patterns. These patterns actually help to distinguish each tribe. For instance, the red and black striped shawls with a central white band embroidered with symbols, are characteristic of the Ao warriors. The Nagas thus pride themselves for being able to keep their ancient culture and tradition alive, even in the face of many diversities.

Aoling is celebrated during the months of March-April by the Konyaks. This festival marks the end of the winter season and beginning of the spring and New Year. This festival commences soon after the sowing is completed in the fields. Thereafter the festivities go on for six days.

This festival is quite similar to the Aoling festival except that it symbolizes the beginning of the growing season. Celebrated in the month of May, it is also carried out for 6 days. The priests perform the ceremonies followed by dancing, singing and drinking of rice beer.