Celebration of the harvest festival of the Sumi tribe of Nagaland

Nagaland is a vibrant state located in Northeast India and is known for its rich and incomparable traditional and cultural heritage. The state is home to 16 major tribes and different languages and dialects. It is also ideal for eco-tourism and it celebrates numerous tribal festivals such as Sekrenyi, Aoleang, Hornbill Festival etc. This is the time when people get a chance to interact with each other and keep their bond strong.

The Tuluni festival is one of the important harvest festivals of Nagaland and is usually celebrated by the Sumi tribe residing in the state. It is generally celebrated in the month of July after satisfying the sowing of crops in the fields. This festival marks the celebration of the yearlong hard work of the people in the farms in order to sow and harvest crops. At the time of the festival, prayers are offered to Lord Litsaba who is considered as the God of productivity and the protector of the crops. Also, it is during this festival; the Sumi culture arranges an engagement ceremony for young couples.

• The rituals of the festival vary depending on the different clans. Both the Sumi and the Tukumi clan perform rituals that are slightly different from each other. However, this festival is of great importance to the Sumi tribe and so it is seen that this tribe celebrates it with more zeal and enthusiasm.
• During this festival, the local people also pray to the local deity 'Litsaba,' who is considered as the God of fruitfulness for prosperity and longevity.
• During this festival, the local people also prepare rice beer and the beer is known as 'Tuluni,' hence the name of the festival bears this name too. Tuluni also has an alternative name as 'Anni'. The preparation of this rice beer is one of the major highlights of this festival and so the people do not shy away from drinking it during the festival.
• Various offerings are made to God which consists of rice, meat and wine. Also, a pig is slaughtered and is prepared for a grand feast. During this festival, people are fed generously, and they enjoy this festival with great fun and enjoyment.
• During this festival, the marriage of young people is fixed as it is believed to bring good luck. The couples who are engaged earlier also invite each other and exchange gifts with their families
• It is during this festival that people take rest from their daily harvest work and enjoy by singing folk songs, performing dances snd taking part in indigenous sports and games