Amongmong Festival: A Celebration of Togetherness in Nagaland
The Amongmong Festival 2024 is a significant event celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Sangam Tribe in Nagaland. This cultural festival is held just before the harvest season, marking an important time of the year for the tribe. Known for its vibrant celebrations, the festival lasts six days, each with unique traditions and rituals. People worship their deities and place cooking stones near the fireplace, seeking blessings for a good harvest and well-being.
This joyous event, one of the Nagaland tribal festivals, occurs in the first week of September. During the first three days, tribe members are not allowed to visit the outfields, as it is believed that doing so could bring natural calamities. The Amongmong Festival in Nagaland is deeply rooted in the belief that pleasing their deities will ensure good health and a rich harvest.
When Is the Amongmong Festival Celebrated?
The Amongmong Festival 2024 will be held from September 1st to September 6th. This six-day celebration, meaning "Togetherness Forever," brings the community together to honor unity, harmony, and long-lasting connections. Throughout the week, the Sangam Tribe participates in various activities that reflect the spirit of togetherness.
Through the six days of Amongmong Festival activities, villagers unite to honour their heritage, protect their crops, and pray for a prosperous future. The festival holds deep cultural and religious significance, making it a vital part of Nagaland tribal festivals.
Major Attractions of the Amongmong Festival
Singkitshaa (1st Day)
On the first day, villagers buy animals such as pigs and cows in preparation for the celebrations.
2nd Day
On this day, the animals purchased on the first day are sacrificed, and the meat is used for feasting. The rest is divided into two portions, known as Athiru and Akhingru.
Musuyangtap (3rd Day)
The third day focuses on Amongmong rituals. The oldest woman of the tribe worships three oven stones, symbolizing Lord Lijaba. After the ritual, the tribe enjoys a day filled with feasting, dancing, and merrymaking.
Kikha-Langpi (4th Day)
On the fourth day, men clean the village paths, symbolizing prosperity. Married women place ginger and chilli in green leaves in the fields to ward off evil and protect crops.
Shilang Wuba Nyunong (5th Day)
Villagers visit friends' houses, share food and drinks, and gift meat, strengthening bonds of friendship.
Akatisingkithsa (6th Day)
The last day is dedicated to worship and the harvest, marking the conclusion of the Amongmong Festival celebrations.
Cultural Significance of the Amongmong Festival
The cultural significance of Amongmong lies in its deep-rooted traditions and rituals meant to unite the community. The festival symbolizes unity, when the tribe offers prayers to their deities for good health and a successful harvest. This sense of togetherness is a recurring theme across many Nagaland traditional festivals.
How to Reach?
The second-largest city in the state, Kohima is known for its picturesque scenery. It is located at an approximate distance of 2,238, 3,310, 3,083, and 1,364 km from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata respectively. Here’s how you can get there.
By Air
Dimapur airport is the nearest airport to the Amongmong festival location. This airport was built during World War II. It is also the only civil gateway to the state of Nagaland. It frequently operates flights of Air India, Alliance Air, and IndiGo.
- Delhi - Board Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, Spicejet flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.18,000
- Mumbai - Board Air India, Go Air, Spicejet from Mumbai Airport. The airfares start from Rs.17,000
- Kolkata - Board Spicejet, Air India, Go Air flights from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The airfares start from Rs.15,000
- Chennai - Board Spicejet, Air India, IndiGo from Madurai airport. The airfares start from Rs.25,000
By Train
Dimapur railway station is the closest railway station to the city of Kohima which is about 74 km from there. There are regular trains from Dimapur to Guwahati and Kolkata which makes it easy for people to connect to the city from any other part of the country. People can easily hire taxis from Dimapur directly to Kohima to witness the aura of the festival.
Here is how you can reach there by the train network.
- Delhi - Board DBRT Rajdhani from New Delhi Railway Station and deboard at the Dimapur Station
- Kolkata - Board Kamrup Express from Howrah Junction and deboard at the Dimapur Station
- Chennai - Board Anantapuri Express from Chennai Egmore and deboard at the Dimapur Station.
By Road
If you happen to live near Kohima, the road route is a very well-suited option for you. Depending upon the budget, you can choose between the luxury, regular, and sleeper coach buses.
- From Guwahati, the bus fares start from Rs.600.
- From Shillong, the bus fares start from Rs.600.
- From Darjeeling, the bus fares start from Rs.570.
And if you have your own vehicle or planning to travel by taxi/cab, here is the road route information.
- Dimapur - 71 km via NH29
- Silchar – 390 km via NH37 and NH2
- Shillong - 416 km via AH1/AH2
- Hailakandi - 427 km via NH37 and NH2
- Itanagar - 329 km via NH2
- Guwahati - 356 km via NH27
Conclusion
The Amongmong Festival in Nagaland is a vibrant celebration highlighting the importance of unity, tradition, and the bond between humans and nature. With its rich history and cultural significance, it is one of the most cherished cultural festivals in Nagaland.
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PLEASE NOTE: Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mongmong mean?
Mongmong translates to "Togetherness Forever," symbolizing the unity of the community.
Where is the Mongmong Festival celebrated?
The Amongmong Festival is celebrated by the Sangam Tribe in Nagaland.
