Tikhir Tribe

About Tikhir Tribe:

• The Tikhir tribe is one of the indigenous Naga tribes found in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland.
• Some live across the border in Myanmar.
• They speak a language called Naga Yimchungru, which is part of the Tibeto-Burman language family, like most Naga languages.
• At one time, the Tikhir were headhunters and a man's prestige depended upon the number of enemies he had killed.
• They make their living from agriculture and hunting.
• Since the Tikhir are a small tribe in Nagaland, some of the larger tribes harass them. 
• Beliefs:
  • With the coming of the Christian missionaries to Nagaland, most Tikhirs converted to Christianity.
  • Many of the Tikhir practice elements of folk religion with their Christianity.
• "Tsonglaknyi" the main Tikhir Festival, is observed from 9th to 12th Oct. every year. It is basically a festival of the sanctification of Shield.

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.

News: First-Ever Log Drum Pulling Ceremony of Tikhir Tribe at Hornbill Festival 2024 Marks Historic Milestone