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MYANMAR FESTIVALS
NAGA : PROUD PEOPLE
LIVING IN HARMONY WITH NATURE Myanmar is a land of diverse ethnicity. High on the mountains of North
West Myanmar are a proud group of people known to the world as Naga, one
of the 135 different ethnic groups that live on Myanmar territory.
Steep slopes and even deeper ravines mark the land as blue hazy
mountains retreat towards the horizon. A cold wind blows out of the
North duri ng the winter months and summers are not hot in the Naga
Hills. The streams, fed by monsoon rains, leap over huge boulders or
hiss quietly beside quaint villages. The climate maybe harsh but for the
Naga the bright lights of the city has no appeal. They would rather live
a life close to nature.
They are hunters first of all. A Naga legend tells that Man is born at
the same time with tiger and the greatest honour for a Naga hunter is to
be known as a tiger killer. Hunters would wear the fangs and claws of
their victims to show their courage.
 Also men folks wear fantastic headdresses of colourful hornbill
feathers, beads and wild boar tusks. Swords, spears and buffalo hide
shields are other compulsory items in the costumes of the Naga men
folks.
The women folks have also developed a textile design known locally as
the Naga design. City ladies greatly prize the htameins (sarongs), dyed
with natural dyes with natural dyes and decorated with distinctive
patterns of Naga design. Bright red and black stripes are symbolic of
thick Naga blankets. Hunting scenes and festivities or record of
important events in the life of the clan are sometime woven into the
fabric.
 But these blankets are not fashion items worn stylishly thrown
over one shoulder but also necessary to keep out the intense cold wind
blowing over the Naga Hills.
The Naga life styles also depend on nature and the seasons. They are
dependent on mother nature to provide them with food and the forest for
their daily needs. They live in small communities according to their
age-old customs and traditions. There are more than 49 separate small
Naga clans and also many villages are
 on high inaccessible mountaintops.
Consequently many of them had evolved not only their own unique customs
and traditions and but even dialects. But all celebrate the New Year
together: a distinctive blend of unity in diversity.
The Naga New Year falls in the middle of January after the harvest. The
people are then free and happy with plenty of food. It is the tradition
of the Naga people to share their joy and happiness with friend and
guests at this auspicious time but, first and foremost, it is a
celebration and thanksgiving for mother nature that has granted them the
bountiful harvest.
Now under the guidance of the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism, the Myanmar
Travel & Tours (MTT) is proud to welcome international visitors to come
celebrate this unique Festival together with the hospitable Naga people
and experience the true spirit of the living harmory with nature. |
| View Of Naga Land>> |
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