Summer Fiesta - The Vibrant Moatsu Of Nagaland

It is a heartwarming sight to see how the Nagas come together in a spirit of celebration and revel in the joy of the summer carnival…

- Deepa Vaitheeswaran

The northern eastern states of India, tucked away in the beauty of the hills have maintained their unique cultural heritage till today. The seven states in this area are often referred to as the seven sisters. However each state has its own unique traditions of worship. Some of these traditions and festivals have withstood the travails of time and are still celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The Spirit of Nature

One of these festivals is the Moatsu Festival in Nagaland which is celebrated by the Ao tribe, a major Naga ethnic group. The Nagas trace their ancestry to the Mongols. Over time the Mongola migrated to the hills of Nagaland as they settled down there. Though they are classified as one tribe, they have several clans and several languages! They live close to nature, following an animist lifestyle. The Ao tribe has a very strong belief in benevolent and malevolent spirits. Their worship revolves around the appeasement of these spirits through ceremonial celebrations and sacrifices.

Bountiful Celebration