Sumi Naga Tribe

About Sumi Naga Tribe:

• The Sumi, or Sema Naga, is one of the major Naga tribes of Nagaland.
• Sumi Nagas mostly inhabit the central and southern regions of Nagaland.
• Sumis are the most widespread tribe amongst the Nagasin terms of settlement.
• Village settlement is one of the important features of the Sumi tribe.
  • As compared to the other Naga tribes, Sumis practiced the establishment of villages more than any others, and this practice is found in recent years as well.
• The Sumis practiced headhunting like other Naga tribes before the arrival of the Christian missionaries and the subsequent conversion of the tribe’s people to Christianity.
• Sumi Language is a Tibeto-Burman language.
• The two major festivals of Sumi Nagas are Tuluni and Ahuna.
  • Ahuna is a traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis. It signifies the celebration of the season's harvest in thanksgiving, while invoking the spirits for good fortune in the New Year.
  • Tuluni festival is celebrated to welcome the arrival of the new crop/fruit from the field. Prayers are offered to thank God for the abundant yield in the preceding year.

Q1: Who are Nagas?

Nagas are a hill people who are estimated to number about 2.5 million (1.8 million in Nagaland, 0.6 million in Manipur and 0.1 million in Arunachal states) and living in the remote and mountainous country between the Indian state of Assam and Burma. There are also Naga groups in Burma. Nagas are divided into sixteen main tribal groups, each with its own name and distinct language. Nagas traditionally are tribally organized, with a strong warrior tradition. Their villages are sited on hilltops and they make frequent armed raids on the plains below. 

News: Sumi tribe celebrates Ahuna festival with a spirit of oneness