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 Nagas in terms of settlement.
• Village settlement is one of the important features of the Sumi tribe.
• As compared to the other Naga tribes, Sumis practised the establishment of villages more than any others, and this practice has been found in recent years as well.
• The Sumis practised 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.