The cultural activities of a state can be best understood when we get the overview of the people of the state. The people of Nagaland belong to the family of Indo-Mongoloid and the people of Naga tribe are highly industrious in nature. The cheerful and courteous Naga people will always appear before you with a pleasant smile on their faces.

The Naga tribes have derived their name from the term “Nagna” which implies naked. The tribal people of this land were characterized by the sparseness of clothes and thus were given this name. Among the tribal people of Nagaland 14 major tribes are seen namely, Yimchunge, Angami, Chakhesang, Ao, Chang, Konyak, Khemungan, Lotha, Pochury, Phom, Rengma, Sema, Sangtam and Zeliang. Each of these 14 tribes practice different lifestyle, festivals and rituals yet the harmony between the tribes is maintained relentlessly.

The tribal festivals in Nagaland are worth a look and every festival has a specific aspect for celebration. Festival of Angami is celebrated for the welfare of the community and is celebrated by boozing and savoring pork. Festival of Ao is held during May and continues for 3 consecutive days. Apart from dancing and singing, frolicking is also noted as a part of this festival celebration. The young tribal generation show of their acrobatic skill during this festival. Festival of Chang is an interesting festival which is actually the combination of 6 major festivals and it is celebrated by Haongang community.

The tribal people of Nagaland have made a niche in the art and craft which are chic as well as clannish. Bamboo work is abundantly noted in the stat as forested land is plenty in Nagaland. Mostly baskets of different shape and size are made out of Bamboo. However, mats, cups. Shields, necklaces made of bamboo are also found. Wood carving is a very common form of art in Nagaland and numerous creatures and figures and made out of wood that serves as symbols for success, wealth, courage and aptitude. Metal work is a new concept in Nagaland and primarily metallic objects like axes, sickle, spears and knifes that are used daily are found in Nagaland.

Apart from the above mentioned arts, weaving, Dyeing and spinning is practiced widely among the tribal people of Nagaland.