The Moatsu festival of Nagaland is celebrated by which tribe?

Moatsu (also spelt Moatsu Mong) is the most important festival of the Ao Naga tribe of Nagaland. It is celebrated every year from 1 to 3 May, mainly in the Mokokchung district, the homeland of the Ao people.

Moatsu is celebrated after the sowing of seeds is completed. After the hard work of clearing the fields and sowing, the festival gives people a time of rest, celebration and prayer for a good harvest. It is a time of feasting, singing, dancing and merrymaking. People wear their colourful traditional clothes and ornaments and take part in traditional games and cultural performances. Men and women sing songs and perform dances that tell stories of their history, their ancestors and their brave deeds. One of the traditional rituals of the festival is the Sangpangtu, in which a large fire is lit, and men and women sit around it, while the best food and rice beer are served by the women. The festival also involves the cleaning and repair of wells and village paths, and it strengthens the bonds of friendship within the community.

The Aos are one of the major Naga tribes. They are known for their rich oral traditions and are believed to have been among the first Naga tribes to accept Christianity, which was brought to them by American Baptist missionaries in the late 19th century. Another important Ao festival is Tsungremong, a harvest festival celebrated in August.

Nagaland has 16 or more major tribes, each with its own festivals. The Hornbill Festival, held every December at Kisama near Kohima, brings together the cultures of all the tribes.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Angami tribe celebrates Sekrenyi.
• ✗Konyak tribe celebrates Aoleang Monyu.
• ✗Sumi tribe celebrates Tuluni.