Sekrenyi Angami Naga Purification Festival Nagaland

Sekrenyi is the annual purification festival of the Angami Naga tribe of Kohima district, celebrated for ten days in February (25th of the Angami month Kezei). The festival involves ritual bathing in sacred water, preparation of traditional Angami rice beer (Zutho), ceremonial feasting, and the performance of Angami war dances in traditional warrior dress with spear, dao, and feathered headgear. Young men undergo symbolic purification rites marking the transition to adulthood. During Sekrenyi the Angami villages observe strict taboos — no farm work, no journeys, and no disputes. The festival reinforces Angami community identity and has been nationally recognised as part of Nagaland intangible heritage under the cultural ministry.