Khautsausie

Khautsausie is a merry making festival for fruitfull harvest celebrated with great pomp and gaiety of the Khiamniungans of Noklak district Nagaland state, India held in the month of January each year. It is alternatively called and spelled Khaozaosey-hok-ah and sometimes called Khaozaosie. .

It was used to hold local brew or wine in the olden days

Significance

The term is combination of two words i.e. Khautsau which is derived from the meaning “Bamboo Container with a Straw pipe”, and Sie relates to a brew of local wine. During this festival grains are used as a part of rituals and also for feasting. It is a time of forgiveness and restoration of peace between villagers, sharing food and meat with the kins and fellow communities to ensure strong bondage between kins, relatives and communities. The ceremony is followed by traditional dances by both men and women, and the focus is given on handicrafts, traditional arts, indigeneous games and sports.

History

This festival is celebrated by exchanging and sharing drinks and meat with dancing and merry making after burning the fields is done. This festival marked the end of agricultural activities thus proceeds the Thanksgiving ceremony.

Way forward

This festival will provide an opportunity for the youngsters to learn the rich and unique cultural values of the Khiamniungan Naga. The inclusiveness of the festival exhibits potential tourism in the region and rejuvenation of cultural values ingrained in its history.

References

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