Music and dance are a huge part of the culture of Nagaland and is a major part of all their cultural events. This land, being a home to multiple tribes, has several unique dance forms and music.
The major folk dances of Nagaland include Modse, Agurshikukula, Butterfly Dance, Aaluyattu, Sadal Kekai, Changai Dance, Kuki Dance, Leshalaptu, Khamba Lim, Mayur Dance, Monyoasho, Rengma, Seecha and Kukui Kucho, Shankai and Moyashai etc, the War Dance and Zeliang Dance being the most important ones.
The War dance mocks the scenario of war using dangerous movements, taken from martial arts. The Naga dance generally includes erect postures with unbent knees. The dance has complex leg movements and simple hand movements. Some of the dances have been named according to the dance steps, resembling with the birds, insects, or animals.
The music of Nagaland usually revolves around either around religion, romance, or bravery. The Heliamleu is one of the most. During the major festivals the tribes of Nagaland gather in a place and share the music of Heliamleu. Heliamleu is one of the oldest music forms of Nagaland which boasts of a rich and vibrant heritage.
The Hereileu is the war song as the elderly narrate their achievements in past battles through this form of music. The different tribal communities of Nagaland state have their own line of music tradition. There is also another famous form known as the Neuleu which expresses the legendary acts of ancient times. Trumpet, theku, petu and many other string instruments are commonly used during the music sessions in Nagaland.
The musical Instruments of Nagaland are usually made from wood and bamboo. Bamboo mouth organs, cup violins, bamboo flutes, trumpets, drums made of cattle skin, and log drums are the most used instruments.
References/picture references:
https://www.tourmyindia.com/states/nagaland/dances.html
http://www.incredible-northeastindia.com/nagaland/music-dance.html
https://www.mapsofindia.com/nagaland/society-and-culture/music.html
https://www.alchemybuzz.com/folk-arts-of-nagaland
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