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Naga Land
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Of the more than a100 national races of Myanmar, the Nagas
form a small but colorful national group. These honest and
hardy people inhabit the mountain regious that form the
Myanmar - India border in the north - west. Khamti, Lahe,
Leshi and Htamanthi are the principal towns of the Naga
region.
The Nagas earn their livelihood largely through agriculture
and livestock breeding. There is cultivation of paddy, corn,
soyabean, and other pulses, as well as vegetables like
garlic,onion, cauliflower and fruits such as orange, damson
and bananas. They also grow tea and coffee on the hill
slopes.
The Nagas breed pigs, goats, chickens and cattle. Of the
cattle bred, there is one special species known as "Nwa Nauk"
which is larger and beefier than the Myanmar cow of the
plains. It is a cross between the cow and the buffalo. There
are also a few cottage industries like spinning and weaving,
pottery and black smithy.
Naga from outlying villages came to take part in the
festivities dressed in their colorful best. There were the
worrior-like youths with their shields, spears, and
headdresses framed with the curved horns of the wild boar
and adorned with fur and feathers.
Naga
festival 2004 will take place in Leshi.
At the New Year celebrations, 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 see events
and people living in old ways not meant as entertainment for
the 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.
These celebrations are part of their culture that the Naga
will continue to preserve with all the pride of men living
closest to nature.
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