All posts filed under: NAGALAND

Explore Nagaland

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Meet the Shimray Brothers Making Woodwork Trendy Again: A Chat with Mawon Woodworks of Nagaland

Published by Menule Chirhah

In the midst of the pandemic in April 2021, when the world slowed down and many found themselves with unexpected free time, two brothers from Nagaland, Shirme and Themrin Shimray, turned their creative energies towards woodwork. Their first foray started with a simple wooden tray and coaster set as a gift for their mother, and the feedback and support encouraged them to continue making more. Today, what started as a small gesture has organically evolved into a promising venture. When asked about the best advice they’ve ever received, the Shimray brothers shared this quote by Sudha Murthy: “Doing what you like is freedom, liking what you do is happiness.” This wisdom is reflected in their journey and the passion they bring to their work with Mawon Woodworks. They embody an unmistakable energy, truly relishing the growth that comes with the journey just as much as their craft. In this interview, I sit down with the talented Shimray brothers to learn more about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their latest projects. Menule: Welcome to …

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Come Celebrate the Naga Spirit with Hornbill Festival 2023 in Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

It’s that time again! Brace yourself for an extraordinary cultural immersion as Nagaland invites you to their annual Hornbill Festival, taking place from December 1 to December 10, 2023, at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, near Kohima. This much awaited festival provides a kaleidoscopic view into the rich tapestry of Naga culture, offering a feast for the senses. Here are some highlights that make the Hornbill Festival an unmissable experience: Cultural Kaleidoscope: At the core of the Hornbill Festival lies the breathtaking showcase of traditional Naga huts, referred to as ‘Morungs.’ Here, every tribe unfolds its unique way of life, providing visitors with a rare and immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Naga customs, artistry, and gastronomic delights. The festival, in essence, acts as a living museum, transforming every nook of the Naga Heritage Village into a gateway to the captivating world of the Nagas, seamlessly weaving together their traditional roots and contemporary lifestyle. Grand Opening Ceremony: The festivities kick off with a spirited opening ceremony on December 1st, marking the beginning of …

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“I am What I Believe Myself to Be” – An Artist’s Perspective with Ajanbeni from Small Town Wokha, Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

Allow us to introduce Ajanbeni K Yanthan, an aspiring artist from the small town of Wokha in Nagaland. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ajanbeni remains determined to pursue her artistic passion. Over a chat, Ajanbeni explained why pursuing her creative passions is more fulfilling than traditional “secure jobs.” She also shares how stays motivated and committed to her art career in the face of societal expectations. “I am what I believe myself to be,” she confides, reflecting her unwavering self-belief and refusal to be confined by limitations. Ajanbeni draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including fellow artists, different art forms, movies, music, and books. Her creative process is fueled by an insatiable appetite for inspiration and a desire to constantly evolve and grow. R&L: Hello Ajan, it’s a pleasure to have you here. Could you introduce yourself and give us a glimpse into your life as a young artist and student? Ajan: Hi R & L  I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity. My name is Ajanbeni K Yanthan from Wokha, Nagaland. I am a full-time …

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“Weekdays for International Brands, and Weekends for Building My Own Brand” Fashion Designer Mhiesi Meyase from Nagaland Talk Fashion Dreams

Published by Roots & Leisure

Meet Mhiesi, a talented fashion designer from Dimapur whose passion for fashion has led him to turn his childhood dreams into a reality. With a degree in fashion design under his belt, Mhiesi now freelances as a fashion designer during the week, working with various export houses to develop new collections for international brands. On the weekends, he channels his creativity into building his own brand, ‘pfe.’ Growing up, Mhiesi was surrounded by garment-making and fashion inspiration. His earliest memory of fashion was watching his mother sew clothes and weave intricate patterns on her loin loom. “Fashion has always been an important part of my family; almost everyone knows how to sew clothes. I used to wake up early in the morning just to catch the FTV specials and get a backstage glimpse of the designers and models,” he recalls We chat with Mhiesi to talk about his journey – from early fashion memories to challenges he has faced as a young designer, and his most current passion of building his own brand ‘pfe’ R&L: …

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“Painting Has Become My Confessional” An Interview with Self-Taught Artist Sarah from Nagaland

Published by Roots & Leisure

We recently connected with a budding artist from Nagaland, who was just starting her journey into the art world. We were intrigued to gain insight into an artist’s early experiences and thoughts, to explore their creative process in its nascent stages and discover their aspirations for the future of their art. Meet Sarah, a self-taught artist from Dimapur, Nagaland, whose earnest work caught our attention. Over a chat, we talk about her creative theme and process, the challenges that artists encounter when starting out, and her plan to explore socio-political narratives in her future artwork. She also shares how painting has become her confessional. For Sarah, every stroke on the canvas is a humble attempt to learn, accept and grow from every mistake made. R&L: To start off, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, your hobbies etc. Sarah: My Ao (Naga) name is Temjen, but online, I often go by Sarah – a nickname lovingly given to me by my Aba. I pursued both my graduate and post-graduate studies …

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Preserving Memories | Snapshots from Hornbill Festival Nagaland 2022

Published by Roots & Leisure

Some of our friends were lucky enough to attend the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland in December 2022. The festival week was a vivid display of the state’s rich culture and heritage, and the chilly weather in Kohima only added to the overall experience. As they walked around the traditional huts, or “morungs,” of each tribe, they had the opportunity to taste local cuisine, interact with the residents, and marvel at the musical, dance, and fashion talent on display. Every night was capped off with a lively and entertaining performance, making the festival an unforgettable celebration of the unique culture of Nagaland. Here are some stunning snapshots we captured at the Hornbill Festival 2022 in Nagaland. See you next Year! “I feel shy”: A Naga girl in traditional attire smiles for the camera A Hornbill Moment: A Naga girl helping a tourist take a picture among the colorful menfolks. Foreigners enjoying Naga food An elderly couple takes a walk at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama  Truck full of Happiness: Local crafts on display for sale. Lenen …

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Hornbill Festival 2022 Starts Today in Nagaland.

Published by Kumti

It’s that time of the year again we’ve all been waiting for. Nagaland is once again all set to host the famous hornbill festival. A festival that celebrates music, culture, food, and arts & tradition. It only gets better and brighter every year. This year we will get to witness an array of attractions around the state starting from 1st Dec to 10th Dec. Throughout the festival, there will be a medley of folk songs and dances, a musical night with artists from across the country and beyond, the display of traditional arts and crafts being displayed at the morungs. There is surely something for everyone here at this festival. So whether you’re a local or a traveler, fuzzy up with your warmest jacket and enjoy the cozy festival with high spirits! Also, don’t miss out on the night carnivals and enjoy the local brews and delicacies. “For all of our music enthusiasts, the music festival – brought to you by LIVENOW, starts from 2nd December till the 10th. We have an exciting lineup of artists …

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‘Tune Up Channel’ from Nagaland is Back With Their New Single ‘A Letter’

Published by Roots & Leisure

“I am a HUGE Mesut Ozil fan, and the match between Germany and Northern Ireland was about to begin at 9:30 PM and I was dying to see Mesut back on the pitch. But then, my favorite band ‘Tune Up Channel’ was set to take the stage only at serial no. 13. It was already 7:00 PM and the show still hasn’t started!” ~ A fan account of the hottest band from Mokokching – ‘Tune Up Channel’  in 2016. Full article here. Fast forward to 2022. ‘Tune Up Channel’ is back with a new single ‘A Letter’ looking dapper and oh-so grown up! Don’t we all live to witness this kind of transformation of our talented friends? 🤩 The band members chat with R&L about their latest single, making the video, their journey in the last 6 years – and some fun facts about each band member. Members of the band ‘Tune Up Channel’ from Mokokchung, Nagaland R&L: Hi! Super excited to be having this chat with y’all. The last time we heard about you …

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The Return of the Cosplayers from Nagaland | NAJ Cosfest 2022

Published by Kumti

Welcome to the almost post-pandemic life where our lives took a bit of an upside down. After nearly 2 years, Nagaland Anime Junkies (NAJ) is back with the much anticipated Cosfest 2022. This year’s NAJ Cosfest 2022 was nothing short of a magical celebration that had us delve into a world of fantasy. It’s only fair to say that we were eager for a Cosfest. NAJ founder Biebe and the team have yet again outdone themselves. Everything was a vibe- the food, the weather, the stalls, and the awe-striking cosplayers. It was a sight to behold and maybe just for once, it made us forget our mundane lives. With the theme – ‘LIFE 2.0’, the 8th Annual NAJ Cosfest event was held in Kohima on the 9th and 10th of July. We witnessed an array of participants from across the state that competed in the grand show of cosplay craftsmanship and performance.   “We want to celebrate life, as we all move forward and rebuild our lives in the post-pandemic world.”- NAJ founders We spoke to …

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“Fashion is about Expressing Myself Without Inhibition” Kaito from Nagaland Shares His Top 5 Winter Outfits for Men

Published by Roots & Leisure

“Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes. You can see and feel everything in clothes.” —Diana Vreeland. We chat with Kaito from Nagaland to get some fashion tips for the ongoing cold weather. Not only is his layering game on point, but also his fashion philosophy – which is all about honoring the individual, and making a confident statement through your fashion choices. “I am particularly inclined towards Harajuku fashion and retro vintage styles. I love their appeal of mix-and-match and play with colors. Moreover, Harajuku fashion is a movement against strict societal rules and the pressure to fit the norm.” ~ Kaito from Nagaland. Kaito, 27, from Nagaland Hello Kaito, please introduce yourself. Kaito: Hello, I’m Kaito. 27 years from Suruhuto, Zunheboto, and based in Kohima. I’m an engineering grad with MBA currently working with NSRLM (Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission). Your fashion posts are so refreshing and bold! What’s your personal definition …