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Naga Festival, Myanmar (2005) ▼
 Of
the more than 100 national races of Myanmar, the Nagas form
a small but colourful national group. These honest and hardy
people inhabit the mountain regions 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
warrior-like youths with their shields, spears, and
headdresses framed with the curved horns of the wild boar
and adorned with fur and feathers.
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.
Our brethren Naga nationals live mostly in Sagaing Division,
the North West corner of Myanmar, close to the Indian
border. Naga nationals belong to the Tibeto-Myanmar group.
The Nagas settle mostly in the hilly areas but they also
live in the areas of Chindwin Riviera. Once, Naga
traditional new-year festivals were celebrated
community-wise where friends from far and near were invited.
Naga elders envisaged that it should be the occasion for
amity in broadens scope, they initiated to celebrate New
Year festivals township-wise or village tract level at
least. Again in 1990, Naga elders decided to celebrate the
event region-wise so as to usher in progress and amity. They
also agreed to celebrate Naga traditional New Year Festival
on every 15th January, and the gathering place to be set in
rotation among the Townships, Khamti, Leshi, Namyung and
Lahe`.
Naga Traditional New Year Festival had been celebrated at
the Grounds in a grand scale. On 14th January, the New Year
Festival pole is set up and all Naga people gathered at the
opening ceremony. On 15th, hundreds of tourists and about
ten thousand people attended the occasion and gifts were
exchanged. Then, Naga traditional music and dance were
performed and all present were served with Naga traditional
food and rice wine. On the eve of the festival, a bonfire
was set and all joined the occasion. After good harvest and
before the next year's work, a feast is held annually. That
moment is very significant for Naga people where they can
share their experience in farming and they can discuss their
work for the coming new year. The meaning of their songs and
dances at the festival is anticipatory of good health,
wealth, happiness, good climate and good crops for the
coming new year. This year, there are 29 dance groups from
all the Townships. Their costumes are decorated with
hornbill's feathers and plumes, elephant tusks, tigers,
bears and boar's canines and paws, buffalos horns, shell,
horse and goat's tails, Moreover they wear silver and bronze
beads, bangles, bracelets, pendants and eardrops. One more
interesting thing is every Naga man wear special palm leaf
on each of their feet during the festival. Most of their
costumes are red, black, green and white-meaning their
courage and dexterity.
Naga traditional New Year Festival has become an occasion
for friendship and amity, which will bring regional
development. It also energizes the Naga nationals for their
tasks of the New Year. This Naga Traditional New Year
Festival is cherished and preserved and it is an
unforgettable experience for every visitor. We invite you
all to join the auspicious occasions at your convenience.
 
Myanmar Festival Tours - Naga
Festival 2005
Sample Tour Program
Yangon - Mandalay - Khamti - Lahe - Khamti - Mandalay -
Yangon (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Day 01
Gathering at Yangon or Mandalay airport. Fly about 3 hours
from Yangon & 1:15 hrs from Mandalay to Khamti by Myanmar
Airways. Half hours cruise (3 nautical mile-up stream) from
Khamti to Sinthe Village. Adventurous journey takes you 5
hours (62 km-up hill) from Sinthe Village to Lahe by light
airy truck. Refreshment & lunch at Nant Za Lein creek bridge
camp which is half way to festival ground. Proceed to the
journey & arrive onto The Naga Land in the evening. Dinner
at Lahe. Overnight in Naga style house at Lahe.
Day 02
After breakfast, optional trekking tour to nearby
villages. Lunch & dinner at Lahe. (Lunch box will be
provided on request for nature lovers). Overnight in Naga
style house at Lahe.
Day 03
After breakfast, watching Naga Pole Erection Ceremony of
2005 New Year & pre-sports contests in the morning. Lunch &
leiure. Performance of Naga youth by stage show in the
evening. Dinner & overnight in Naga style house at Lahe.
Day 04
After breakfast, opening Ceremony of Naga New Year
Festival 2005. Presentation of Naga Historical background,
Donation from private & public sectors to Naga, Feast of
Naga local food with rice wine, celebrating the new year
with Naga Traditional Dance & Naga Pan (Traditional Drum).
After lunch enjoy Naga sports contest. After dinner, evening
enjoyments with Naga Traditional Dance & Bonfire. Overnight
in Naga style house at Lahe.
Day 05
After breakfast, back to Khamti by the same route & fly back
to Mandalay or Yangon by Myanmar Airways.
(End of service)
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