The people of Nagaland belong to Indo-Mongoloid stock.Nagaland is inhabited by as many as 15tribes and their sub-tribes.Theyare Kuki,Angami,Chakhesang, chang, Khiamniungn,Lotha, Konyak,Phom, Rengma,Sumi,Sangta,Yimchunger,Zeliang and Pochury.

The different tribes of Nagaland are distinct from each other in terms of custom,language and dresses.Looking at the designs and colours of the shawls, Naga people can easily identify their respective ethnic groups.

Nagas have a rich and colourful cultural heritage.They celebrate their distinct seasonal festivals with a pageantry of clour and a feast of music. Most of their dances are performed with a robust rhythm. As many as 15tribal festivals are celebrated in different parts of the state.

People belongs to Sangtams of Tuensang district celebrate the festival Amongmong in the month of September, when the new crop is ready for harvesting.It is feaatured by the worship of the house god and the tree cooking stones in the fire place. Generally village priests open the festival after prayers and ceremonial rites. All are to go fasting. Even the domestic animals are not allowed to eat before the prayers are over.

Aoling Monyu is an important festival of the Konyak tribe. Aoling Monyu marks the end of the old year and heralds new year starting with spring and riot of flowers -white, pink, blue and yellow.It manifests the rich cultural heritage of Konyaks, who wears beautiful tatoos all over the body. The villagers prayed to sky God for bountiful crop during this festival.

Phoms of Tuensang celebrate it with much gaiety with great enthusiasm in April for twelve days. They pray to propitiate spirit.. Offerings are made to the supreme power for a successful crop.

Zeliangrong people celebrate a festival almost every month. However, Meleyingi has a special significance for them. It heralds spring and relates to prayers for vigorous, prosperous healthy life. It runs for seven days.

Metmneo is a five day long festival bearing five names - sito, shito, Zhimto, Chiresok and Siresok. After harvesting the millet crops, Ymchunger people celebrate this festival with much ferver.It is connected with praying for the departed souls who had left for eternal peace. They believe that a man has six souls while a woman has five ones. Moreover, young boys and girls greet one another and exchange presents.