Pictures of India’s most fascinating tribes

Nagaland didn’t become part of India until 1963 and, owing to its remote position bordering Assam and Myanmar, doesn’t feature regularly on many an Indian itinerary. During the second world war, however, the capital city Kohima was the site of a famous frontier battle between the Allies and the Japanese troops. As a result, the people of Nagaland have a great fondness for the efficiency of the Brits and many speak perfect English.

The landscape is mountainous, dramatic and teeming with wildlife. The food – give or take the odd blow-your-head-off Naga chilli – was so unique and tasty that they have their own annual Masterchef competition at the Hornbill Festival. Other cultural highlights include demonstrations of a traditional stone-throwing game, ceremonial chanting, warrior dances, plays performed in various Naga dialects and the greased-bamboo climbing competition – but my highlight was witnessing the stone pulling at Viswema which, apparently, only happens roughly once every seven years.

A man from the Konyak tribe in battle mode

 Ladies of the Konyak tribe fix an earring

Greased bamboo pole climbing competition at the Hornbill Festival

 A gun-toting tribe line up for action

Stone throwing gets underway

Tribal men display feathers and weapons

Hornbill Festival dancing begins

An Angami tribesman

 A Konyak tribesman

A smile as tribes get together

 Konyak tribe member captures the moment

Stone pulling underway at Viswema village

Crowds gather

All hands on deck

A ceremonial start