Nagaland is a unique culture with a wealth of natural beauty and, most importantly, a traditional dance. Naga culture places a high value on music and dance, and an event would only be complete with a Nagalandian folk dance. All of Nagaland’s dances are performed in groups because the people there value unity. There are numerous tribes in Nagaland, each with distinctive characteristics, dancing styles, customs, languages, and more. As an illustration, the primary folk dances of Nagaland are the Modse, Agurshikukula, Butterfly Dance, Aaluyattu, Sadal Kekai, Changai Dance, Kuki Dance, Leshalaptu, Kamba Lim, Mayur Dance, Monyoasho, Rengma, Seecha and Kukui Kucho, among others. However, the prominent ones are ritual dancing and Zeliang Dance. This article will help you learn about the various Folk dances of Nagaland with Pictures.
Table of Contents
Important Folk Dances of Nagaland
Nagaland people perform various forms of dances and arts, you can check the most important Folk Dances of Nagaland from below.
| Dance forms | Description |
|---|---|
| Changsang | The Chang Naga Tribe of Nagaland may perform the Changsang dance as a traditional folk dance at the Naknyulüm festival in July. Changsang dance is performed to honour the earth, which is where people originated. |
| Monyu Asho | At the Monyu festival, this Monyu Asho dance is performed. |
| Kukuyipheto | Chakesang Nagas may perform a traditional folk dance called Kukuyipheto. The dance has rapid and difficult footwork, thus the choreography is great. |
| Baimajai | This dance is also known as Plate dance and while performing the dance the performers hold two dishes in their hands. |
Folk Dances of Nagaland with Pictures
Nagaland is an exotic form, rich in primeval beauty and most significantly the traditional dance you can check some of the important folk dances of Nagaland from below.
Changsang Dance
The Chang Naga Tribe of Nagaland may perform the Changsang dance as a traditional folk dance at the Naknyulüm festival in July. Changsang dance is performed to honour the earth, which is where people originated. At the event when the dance is performed in homage to the sky God, prayers and the dance coexist side by side. The Chang Nagas performed during the Puanglem/Nknyulum festival while wearing colourful attire and singing coordinating tunes.
Melo Phita Dance
The Angami Nagas may perform the Melo Phita dance, a traditional folk dance, during the Sekrenyi festival in February. Sekrenyi Festival can be a festival of purification. The celebration lasts for 10 days starting on the 25th day of the Angami month of “Kezia” (which corresponds to the 25th of February in the Gregorian calendar most frequently). It serves as a “purification festival” to cleanse the past of all transgressions. The event aims to “make holy” and “renew” by purifying the “body and the soul” and to promote harmony.
Monyu Asho Dance
The Phom Nagas may perform the Monyu Asho dance, a traditional folk dance, at the Phom Monyu festival, the tribe’s major festival. In April, the holiday is observed. The Monyu festival is a harvest ceremony held after sowing to elicit supernatural benefits. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer. It is also a time of prayer and dedication for the seeds that have already sprouted.
Kukuyipheto Dance
Chakesang Nagas may perform a traditional folk dance called Kukuyipheto. The dance has rapid and difficult footwork, thus the choreography is great. This dance is done before a grand feast known as the ‘Feast of Merit,’ which is overseen by all able-bodied men dressed in full costume.
Baimajai/Plate Dance
Baimaijai dance may be a Dimasa traditional folk dance. The dance is performed by young girls or ladies with a plate or dish, and they hold two dishes in both hands. This dance has a very particular feature.
Khupielilie Dance
Khupielilie dance is a traditional folk dance performed by ladies of Nagaland’s Pochury Naga Tribe. Every year in February, this dance is performed as part of the Pochury tribe’s Nazu celebration. Khupielilie is a dance in which only women take part.
Folk Dances of Nagaland FAQs
Yes, these dances can be performed by both men and women.
The Khupielilie dance of Nagaland is performed by the ladies.
Changsang dance, Monyu Asho dance, Kukuyipheto dance, and Khupielilie dance are the most popular dances in Nagaland.
Changsang Dance performs in the month of July.
There are numerous tribes in Nagaland, each with distinctive characteristics, dancing styles, customs, languages, and more. As an illustration, the primary folk dances of Nagaland are the Modse, Agurshikukula, Butterfly Dance, Aaluyattu, Sadal Kekai, Changai Dance, etc.
