Liangmai
Encyclopedia
Liangmai tribe of Mongoloid race inhabits Nagaland
and Manipur
states of Northeast India. The area of their domination spreads across Peren
district in Nagaland state and Tamenglong
, Senapati
and Imphal district
in Manipur. Dominating town of the Liangmais include Tening town, sub-division of Peren district, and Tamei town, sub-division of Tamenglong district. Liangmai tribes is recognized as Zeliang by Nagaland government and Kecha Naga by Manipur government.
It is a community of about 80,000 people. Liangmai population in Manipur state is higher than that of Nagaland. No Liangmais in Manipur follow any other religion but Christianity since 2003. There are still non-Christians in Nagaland but very less in number. Liangmais are obsessed to socializing which could be one reason why they are not conservative but broadminded. They are known for excellent hospitality in their homes.
With popular football and volleyball come-in, once upon a time common sports including wrestling, taming of wild bull and climbing up to the tip of bamboo post are in the verge of complete wipe-off. The trend of living at high altitude still continues though some have now moved down at the foothills. The Liangmais, even today enjoy the maximum luxury of nature – Pollution free air, spring water, organic food and the blue mountain range that don’t seem to end. Love for music came down from generations and it is skeptical that music would be given a fullstop in generations to come. Openness for pop, jazz, country music and rock are followed by gospel music.
Chaga-Ngee, the biggest festival of the Liangmai community celebrated in the month of October. Today, this festival that showcases Liangmai's rich culture and tradition is celebrated on 30 October every year. The venue of Chaga-Ngee is usually held at Tamei and Dimapur town. According to historical accounts, Chaga-Ngee is a celebration for victorious war to honour brave warriors. It is also a festival of purification/sanctification and re-dedication for their next assignments. However, in the modern context, the prime reason of organizing this event is to keep alive the rich culture and tradition of Liangmai. On this day, both old and young Liangmais gather in their traditional attires and sing folk songs, dance folk dances, play traditional games and sports, etc.
Nagaland
Nagaland is a state in the far north-eastern part of India. It borders the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh and part of Assam to the north, Burma to the east and Manipur to the south. The state capital is Kohima, and the largest city is Dimapur...
and Manipur
Manipur
Manipur is a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. Manipur is bounded by the Indian states of Nagaland to the north, Mizoram to the south and Assam to the west; it also borders Burma to the east. It covers an area of...
states of Northeast India. The area of their domination spreads across Peren
Peren
Peren , a city in India, is located at an altitude of 1445 metres above sea level. It is the district headquarter of Nagaland's eleventh and newest district-Peren district. Zeliang, Rongmei and Kuki are the main inhabitants.- External links :*...
district in Nagaland state and Tamenglong
Tamenglong
Tamenglong is the district headquarters of Tamenglong district in the state of Manipur in India.-References:...
, Senapati
Senapati
Senapati is the Hindi word for general and Mahasenapati means great general. It is cognate with duke or Herzog and like this word means army leader .-List of few Maratha "Senapati" or "Commander-in-Chief":...
and Imphal district
Imphal district
Imphal district was a district of Manipur , that was split into two districts in 1997:* Imphal East district* Imphal West district...
in Manipur. Dominating town of the Liangmais include Tening town, sub-division of Peren district, and Tamei town, sub-division of Tamenglong district. Liangmai tribes is recognized as Zeliang by Nagaland government and Kecha Naga by Manipur government.
It is a community of about 80,000 people. Liangmai population in Manipur state is higher than that of Nagaland. No Liangmais in Manipur follow any other religion but Christianity since 2003. There are still non-Christians in Nagaland but very less in number. Liangmais are obsessed to socializing which could be one reason why they are not conservative but broadminded. They are known for excellent hospitality in their homes.
With popular football and volleyball come-in, once upon a time common sports including wrestling, taming of wild bull and climbing up to the tip of bamboo post are in the verge of complete wipe-off. The trend of living at high altitude still continues though some have now moved down at the foothills. The Liangmais, even today enjoy the maximum luxury of nature – Pollution free air, spring water, organic food and the blue mountain range that don’t seem to end. Love for music came down from generations and it is skeptical that music would be given a fullstop in generations to come. Openness for pop, jazz, country music and rock are followed by gospel music.
Chaga-Ngee, the biggest festival of the Liangmai community celebrated in the month of October. Today, this festival that showcases Liangmai's rich culture and tradition is celebrated on 30 October every year. The venue of Chaga-Ngee is usually held at Tamei and Dimapur town. According to historical accounts, Chaga-Ngee is a celebration for victorious war to honour brave warriors. It is also a festival of purification/sanctification and re-dedication for their next assignments. However, in the modern context, the prime reason of organizing this event is to keep alive the rich culture and tradition of Liangmai. On this day, both old and young Liangmais gather in their traditional attires and sing folk songs, dance folk dances, play traditional games and sports, etc.