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Mokokchung
Mokokchung
160 km from the capital, the centre of the culture and traditions of the
Ao Nagas. The warriors of this tribe used to wear the beautiful black and red handwoven shawl with its white decorated band to signify their ability over their enemies. Situated at 1,325 metres up in the hills, it has a very pleasant climate.
The two main festivals celebrated here are connected with sowing, 'moatsu' in early May, and harvesting, 'Tsungremmong' in August. The highlight of Tsungremmong is the Tug-of-War between men and women's teams.
Longkhum A front line village in the days of head hunting is located at a height of 1846 meters above sea level. The people of this village are hard working and one can find exquisite handicraft and handloom items in this village.
On a clear day, one can view the eastern Himalayas and Assam valley. The panoramic view of the surrounding hills is simply breathtaking.The Aos have a belief that Longkhum is the resting place of the spirits of the dead on their onward journey to paradise. Rhododendrons adorn the hillocks and precipices surrounding the village.
Ungma This is the biggest Ao village and looks like an adjunct to Mokokchung town.According to legend, the early Aos settled here first after coming from Chungliyimti. This village is many centuries old and can be of interest to people who have a desire to peep into Ao folklore, customs and trad
Langpangkong
History speaks of an Ahom king, who fled his capital ( Sibsagar in Assam) due to court intrigues and rivalries and had taken refuge in the Langpangkong range, along the Dikhu river. The cave where he took shelter still remains intact. Today the Langpangkong range consists of more than 15 villages.
Mopungchukit This village is one of the oldest villages in the Ao region, the village which gave birth to the legendary lovers Jina and Etiben.
If you are keen to see the antique log drums, Morung and village life style of the Ao Nagas first hand, you can visit Mopungchukit which is 15 km from Mokokchung .
While you are in the village you can also sit at leisure with the elders of the village and listen to the poetic songs of love immortalising the ancient sad love stories and fascinating folklore of the Ao Nagas. Before retiring to bed you can witness and participate in the cultural dance with the villagers over a few mugs of Mapuk yi (rice beer).
Impur, the Mission Center of Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang is situated next to this village.
Chuchuyimlang
The Department of Tourism has identified Chuchuyimlang as a festival destination. This village celebrates Moatsu festival in the traditional way with the exchange of gifts and friendship with other neighboring villages.
The festival is celebrated in colourful way with dances and songs every year from May 1st-3rd. Moatsu, the spring festival of the Ao Nagas, is celebrated in all Ao villages, but it is more spectacular in Chuchuyimlang.
After sowing the seeds in the Jhum fields, the Aos relax to celebrate and invoke the Gods for a bountiful harvest. This festival has more to do with merrymaking unlike other festivals which have more rites and rituals. Dance, folk songs, indigenous games and tribal chants lend color to the occasion.
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