News: Recently, the Prime Minister of India referred to the Khiamniungan tribe in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, bringing attention to their culture and traditions.
About Khiamniungan Tribe
- The Khiamniungan are one of the major Naga tribes, inhabiting eastern Nagaland (India) and north-western Myanmar.
- Name: The name Khiamniungan comes from ‘Khiam’ (water), ‘Niu’ (great), and ‘Ngan’ (source), meaning “source of great water/river”.
- Origin: Their settlements lie in mountainous and riverine regions, spreading up to the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
- Language: They speak Khiamniungan, which is a Sino-Tibetan language.
- Economy: Their primary livelihood is jhum (shifting) cultivation, growing rice, millet, and vegetables.
- They are known for traditional cliff-honey harvesting practices that have been passed down for generations
- Festival: The major festivals of the Khiamniungan tribe are Tsokum Sumai and Khaotzao Sey Hok-ah Sumai.
- Beliefs and Values: They traditionally follow animistic, nature-centric beliefs, honouring spirits of land, water, and ancestors.
- Rituals often include animal sacrifice and symbolic offerings.
- The village priest (Am-pao) plays a central role in ceremonies.
