You may have explored most of the Himalayan Foothills or the Sea Of the South, but for experiencing India in its true form, you have to get introduced to the tribes who are the indigenous people of our country.
From the quaint Northeast to splendid Orissa or Bengal, fascinating Chhattisgarh and wild Jharkhand, embark on an incredible journey to the tribal places in India and have a close view of the long-standing culture and traditions of the country, which continues to persevere in its primitive surroundings.
Lets look at the Tribal Villages of North-Eastern States of India:
Namphake Village, Assam:
Phakial community of this village has successfully maintained their culture and preserved the century old traditions to contribute in the popularity of the Assamese culture. The villagers here are Buddhist by religion with the Namphake monastery being one of the popular tourist spot.
Mon Village, Nagaland:
The home of the Konyak Nagas, this village should be visited during the fare of Aoling Monyu, the famous festivals of Mon which is celebrated in the first week of April every year. The males wearing colorful shawls and headgears decorated with feathers dances with spears chanting rhythmically. People with tattooed faces and wearing feathers are a common sight here. Most of the natives being adept artisans and craftsmen, the excellent wood carvings will amaze you. The Angh's or chief's house is the largest in the village with a display of skulls in the front which one shouldn't miss out.
Shangnyu village,Nagaland:
This place is still now not touched by modern ways of living portraying a perfect picture of their ancient tradition.Still ruled by a chief or Angh(as they refer), his palace is must-visit place.Here we will meet with village folk and see their way of life. Believed to be constructed by heavenly angels, the monument is decorated with carvings of human beings and other creatures.
Mokochung,Nagaland:
Entirely inhabited by Ao Naga tribe, it is economically and politically the most important urban centre in northern Nagaland. Chuchuyimlang is the village of festivals for the Ao Nagas. The Moatsu festival, based on community bonding, takes place here from the first of May till the third.
Longkhum-Ungma-Tuophema-Khonoma:
Longkhum is known for scenic beauty and its exquisite ethnic handlooms & handicrafts. The summer Rhododendrons in full bloom adorn the hillocks and its surroundings is a sight to catch for!
Located near Longkhum, Ungma is considered to be a living museum of the traditions of the Ao tribe. It is said that the whole Ao tribe founded this village when they first entered the land from their ancestral Home at Chungliyimti.
Touphema village has a conserved area where one can trek and get an exhilarating experience. One should visit the place during the Angami Sekrenyi festival celebrated here between 25-27 February of every year.
The Khonoma village with its gate tells the story of British infiltration into Naga Hills.
Pangzawl Village, Mizoram:
Pangzawl village in the Lungei district is cloaked with the tragic folklore of Chawngvungi, A girl who was courted by many, but her mother rejected all the proposals and only wanted to get her married in exchange of a ransom amount. Later, the ugly son of chief, Sawngkhara managed to marry her using magical love potion but Chawngvungi died soon after her marriage. Sawngkhara life is devoted to mourning and grieving for her. You can still visit all the places related to this tale.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh:
A scenic valley surrounded by farms and pine-conifer filled forests and home to the Apatani Tribe. You can easily spot tattooed elders and visit unique Apatani farms and cuisines.
Daporijo, Arunachal Pradesh:
The village by the beautiful emerald Subansiri river, is the home to Nyishi, Tagin and Apatani tribes and very scenic with caves, temples and multiple picnic spots on the riverbanks.
Aalo, Arunachal Pradesh:
Situated near the Siyom River, it houses the Adi Gallong tribes who build their houses on the stones without the use of nails.A visit to the museum, craft center and an animist temple of the Donyi-Polo religion is worthy.
Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh:
The mighty Siang River, mysterious valley, carving beautiful terraced farms and villages of Adi Minyong tribes makes this place worth visiting. Witness the unique weaving by the tribal women, majority of whom are skilled weavers.
