To Be Announced
Moastu Festival Tour
Embrace the Spirit of Nagaland: Moatsu Festival Tour Extravaganza!
Moatsü, a three-day post-sowing festival of the Ao Naga tribe is celebrated in May in Mokokchung – the cultural center of the Ao people and economically and politically the most important urban center in Northern Nagaland. During the festival, the people from the Ao tribe seek the blessings of God for a good harvest. Best rice beer is made and the best breed of animals are slaughtered for the feast.
Immerse Yourself in Naga Culture: Don’t Miss the Enthralling Moatsu Festival Tour!
The Moatsu Festival is a vibrant and dynamic celebration that reflects the Ao Naga people’s deep connection with their land, history, and community. Through its rituals, dances, feasting, and cultural displays, the festival serves as a testament to the resilience and richness of Naga heritage, while also fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Ao Naga tribe.
Moatsu Festival Tour Insight
Moatsu Festival – An Ao Naga tribal festival of Nagaland, seeking the blessings for a good harvest and also noted for a whole lot of dancing, singing, and feasting in the farthest reaches of the easternmost state of India that requires an adept and adventurous soul to embark upon.
An overview of the tour – A 7-night cultural celebration at its best. Moatsu festival of the Ao Nagas, interaction with the erstwhile headhunting Konyak tribe of Nagaland, and driving through some of the back roads of one of the easternmost states of India, this tour will be straight from an Indiana Jones movie.
8 Days/7 Nights Tour
Jorhat – Mokokchung – Mon – Dibrugarh
Highlights of the Moatsu Festival Tour
- Visit Mokokchung the home to the Ao Nagas.
- Village visits around Mokokchung
- Witness Moastsu Festival
- Try some rice beer and taste some exquisite home-cooked meals
- Visit the land of erstwhile headhunters
- Introduce yourself to some of the interesting stories of the region
- Fully escorted tour with local guides wherever necessary
Itinerary
Day 1 (30th Apr) Delhi – Jorhat – Mokokchung
The morning after breakfast transfer to Delhi airport for a flight to Jorhat, Assam. On arrival, meet our representative at the airport. On arrival drive straight to Mokokchung and check into a Hotel/Lodge. Time permitting visit the local market nearby. Dinner and overnight
Day 2 (1st May) Mokokchung
Today whole day in and around Mokokchung, visiting villages as the people celebrate the Moatsü festival. The celebrations begin after various activities such as the repair and construction of houses by elder members of putu menden (village council), cleaning of tsubü (wells), and marriages in the spring season are completed.
Historical and Cultural Significance of the Moatsu Festival
The Moatsu Festival has its roots in the Ao Naga tribe’s agricultural practices and beliefs. It is named after the Moatsu plant, which is found in abundance during this time of the year. Historically, the festival served as a way to express gratitude to the deities for a bountiful harvest, as well as to seek blessings for the upcoming farming season. It was also a time for the Ao people to gather, share stories, perform traditional dances and songs, and engage in various community activities.
Day 3 (2nd May) Mokokchung
Today whole day in and around Mokokcuhng, visiting more villages to witness people celebrate the Moatsü festival. Be a part of the festival as you find yourself in between the Nagas drinking, singing, and dancing to their folklore.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage – Moatsu Festival
The Moatsu Festival plays a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Ao Naga tribe. It allows the younger generation to learn about their traditions, customs, and history through firsthand experiences. The elders pass down knowledge, stories, and skills to the youth, ensuring the continuity of the tribe’s unique identity.
Day 4 (3rd May): Mokokchung – Mon
Today morning drive to Mon, home of the famous ‘Konyak’ Nagas through scenic landscape and steep mountain ranges and ridge with panoramic views. ‘Konyak’ are seen by everyone as the most backward of the sixteen Naga tribes. This on the other hand can also be perceived as the most traditional of the tribes. They have given up their head-hunting ways but still live a very traditional lifestyle. Konyak is an adept artisan and skilled craftsman; here you can find excellent woodcarving, daos (machete) guns, gunpowder, head brushes necklaces, etc. On arrival check into tented accommodations that have been set up especially for your stay. Overnight in a lodge
Day 5 (4th May): Mon – tribal Villages
Commence an excursion to Longwa village perched dominantly on a ridge between India and Myanmar. Explore the village and make interactions with the villagers. This is where you would experience the opium-smoking men and the skilled craftsmen making guns.
Day 6 (5th May): Mon
Visit more tribal villages namely Chui and the other Mon villages in and around the town. Overnight.
Day 7 (6th May): Mon – Dibrugarh
Today after breakfast you will be driven to Dibrugarh for your overnight stay. Dibrugarh is also known as the tea capital of India. Later check into a hotel. You can visit the local market, overnight.
Day 8 (7th May): Dibrugarh Fly out
Transfer to Dibrugarh airport for your onward journey.
**Please note: The Moatsu Festival Tour itinerary above can be tailor-made as per your interest. Flexibility is the key to a successful adventure! Please write us an email at [email protected]
