Aoling Festival – How to Plan and Best Time to Visit

Mon District is nestled on the border of India and Myanmar and stands as the cultural and social hubs of the Konyak tribe. The Konyak tribe is known for their fierce reputation as headhunters reside in Mon along with the 2^nd biggest town, Longwa. Longwa is also the home of the king of the Konyak tribe, whose house sits on the border, half in India and half in Myanmar. It symbolizes his rule over the Konyaks of both countries.

Every year, the Konyaks celebrate the Aoling or Aoleang Festival in the month of April. It is a Harvest festival where they also showcase their customs and traditions in form of songs and dance.

What is Aoling Festival?

The Aoling or Aoleang Festival marks the beginning of a new year during the month of April. During the festival, the locals dress up in their traditional attire comprising of intricate headdresses, colorful shawls, and beaded necklaces. They indulge in traditional dances, music, and feasts for a week. During the rituals, the Konyaks pay homage to their ancestors and seek blessings for the upcoming year.

Aoling is a great opportunity for visitors to witness the rich cultural heritage of the Konyak tribe and learn more about their way of life.

If you are interested in attending the Aoling Festival, there are two options for you to consider. The best idea is to visit the village of Mon and spend the entire festival there. Mon is home to several traditional Morung that are important centers for cultural activities and serve as venues for the Aoling Festival celebrations. The main festivities are held in the festival ground of the city.

Alternatively, you can also choose to visit the king’s palace in Longwa for the celebrations there. The king of Longwa is highly revered among the Konyaks His palace is a hub of activity during the festival. The palace has traditional dances, traditional log drum beating ceremony and songs. You can also interact with the Konyak people and headhunter elders to get a firsthand experience of their unique way of life.

Things to Experience at Aoling Festival

I always wanted to attend the Aoling Festival. To make sure that I don’t miss anything, I arrived three days prior to the festival so that I could see the preparations. While the festival is a two-day long affair, the main festivities take place on the second day.

Coming a day in advance also gave me chance to explore the village and see the practices happening at homes.

Traditional Songs and Dance

The Aoling Festival is a celebration of the Konyak tribe’s rich cultural heritage. Traditional song and dance performances are an integral part of the event. The Konyak people dress up in their traditional attire, which includes intricately designed shawls, beaded necklaces, and headgear made from hornbill feathers. The dance routines involve rhythmic movements to the beat of drums and gongs. There are three or four dance rituals, each one has its own story and reason to perform. The dance and songs start slow and get fast and aggressive. The rhythmic movements are very enchanting to watch.

Log Drum Beating Ceremony

One of the highlights of the Aoling Festival is the log drum beating ceremony. I saw a short version of the ceremony at the main Hornbill Festival of Kohima. The locals pull a large log drum from the center of the town to the festival ground while singing their songs. It is a spectacular sight. Rhythmic beating of the drum adds to the festive atmosphere. The log drum beating ceremony is considered an essential part of the festival, as it represents the Konyak tribe’s unity and community spirit.

War Re-enactment

The Konyak tribe is known for their history of headhunting and warfare. So it is obvious that the rituals will include re-enactments of their traditional wars. The participants dress up in traditional warrior attire. They carry shields made from animal hide along with swords, and guns. The re-enactment is a way for the Konyak people to honor their ancestors and remember their history.

Local Food

The Aoling Festival is a great opportunity to sample the local cuisine of the Konyaks. Just a warning, the locals eat very spicy cuisine so make sure that you inform them in advance about the chilli usage. Traditional dishes such as smoked pork, bamboo shoot curry, and rice beer are served during the festival. There are different stalls where you can sample the local delicacies.

Exhibitions

The festival also includes exhibitions showcasing the traditional arts and crafts of the Konyak tribe. Visitors can view displays of intricate beadwork, wood carvings, and woven textiles. Here you can also learn about the rich cultural heritage of this community.

Village Tour

If you have more time, you can also visit the nearby villages of Phumching. The festival is celebrated on a smaller yet personal level. The villages are less crowded, and you can interact with the locals and experience the festival in a more intimate setting. A local guide can take you on a tour of these villages and give you insights into the local culture and way of life.

How to Reach Mon

The most common way to reach Mon is by bus. Buses run regularly from the city of Dimapur, which is the largest city in Nagaland and has an airport and a railway station. The bus journey takes around 16 hours, and the roads can be bumpy and challenging, so be prepared for a long journey.

Another option is to take a shared jeep. Shared jeeps run from several nearby towns, including Dimapur, Sonari, and Kohima. From Lakhimpur, it takes around 6-7 hours to reach Mon, depending on the weather and road conditions which is mostly bad.

If you are traveling by air, the nearest airports are in Dimapur and Jorhat. From Dimapur airport, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to Mon. But if you reach Jorhat, you’ll have to travel to Sonari and get a shared sumo.

Similarly, if you prefer to travel by train, the nearest railway station is also in Dimapur and Jorhat.

Once you reach Mon, you will have to take another shared jeep to Longwa. Longwa is around 42 kilometers from Mon, and the journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the weather and road conditions. It is essential to note that the road to Longwa can be steep and rocky, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.

Mon and Longwa are unpredictable places. Road transport often gets obstructed due to weather and political movements. Make sure that you are ready to change your plans at the last moment. If you are going via Dimapur, the road may get blocked and you will have to change your route to Kohima or Sonari depending on the availability.

Stay at Mon and Longwa

While Mon and Longwa offer a unique and unforgettable experience, there are not many options for accommodation in these areas. However, it is still possible to find a place to stay with a local family or at a basic guesthouse. During my visit, I was fortunate enough to stay with a local family, who was incredibly hospitable and welcoming.

My host, Longsha, arranged my stay, food, and travel to Longwa and nearby villages of Phumching. Staying with a local family not only provided me with a comfortable and authentic experience but also gave me a chance to learn about the local way of life and customs. If you are planning a trip to Mon and Longwa, I would highly recommend considering a homestay or guesthouse run by locals. Not only will you have a unique and memorable experience, but you will also be supporting the local community.

Contact

Longsha – 8974390751

Helsa Cottage – 9862876283

Respect local life and culture at Mon and Longwa

As you embark on your journey to Mon and Longwa to experience the Aoling Festival and witness the unique way of life of the Konyak tribe, it is essential to remember to respect their local life and culture. As visitors, it is our responsibility to be mindful of the impact we have on the communities we visit.

We must respect their customs, traditions, and way of life, and be open to learning about their unique culture. By doing so, we can help preserve their heritage for future generations and create a positive and meaningful exchange between our cultures. Let us approach our travels with a spirit of curiosity and respect and take the time to appreciate the rich and diverse tapestry of human life that exists in this world.