Angamis celebrate festivals based on the lunar cycle, with names ending in "nyi," meaning ‘feast’ or ‘celebration.’ Preparations begin with Nyi-shie, a ceremonial announcement a week in advance. Though Christianity has influenced traditions, many villages still uphold these festivals with enthusiasm.
Sekrenyi, the most significant Angami festival, is celebrated in February for ten days to mark the new year. It is a purification festival focused on cleansing the body, mind, and soul for well-being. Rituals include cleaning village wells and bathing in rivers to symbolize renewal, followed by feasting, singing, and dancing, strengthening community bonds.
Tsakronyi, held in April, is associated with the sowing season. It is a time to invoke blessings for a bountiful harvest and seek protection for crops. Rituals involve offering prayers to deities and spirits of the land for favourable weather and good yields. The festival also features communal feasting, dances, and cultural performances, strengthening social ties.
Chadanyi, celebrated in August, focuses on village cleanliness, while Ngonyi, in November, marks the end of the harvest season. Ngonyi is a thanksgiving festival where the first harvest is offered to the gods to ensure future prosperity. It is also a time of rest and enjoyment after a year of hard work.
Other notable festivals include Kerunyi, marking the start of paddy transplantation, Tiedenyi, celebrated after harvesting, and Pfhiipfhiinyi, observed when the paddy is blooming. Terhiinyi, held between December and January, marks the completion of cultivation activities.
A unique festival, Riipfhunuoteisizha or Nuolhou Day, is celebrated every five years to honour population growth. It involves song and dance competitions, as well as a tradition where villagers cook and share meat, which must not be refused, as rejection is considered a sin.
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