- 1 December every year
- 16th state, formed 1963
- Capital Kohima
Where it began
The Naga Hills were once a district of Assam. In 1957 the Naga Hills and the Tuensang area were joined as one area governed by the centre.
The State of Nagaland Act of 1962 made the area a state, and Nagaland was inaugurated on 1 December 1963 by President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, with Kohima as its capital.
Since 2000 the Hornbill Festival begins on the same day, so statehood is marked with the songs and dances of every tribe.
How it grew over time
Before 1957
The Naga Hills are a district of Assam.
1957
The Naga Hills and Tuensang area are joined under central rule.
1 December 1963
Nagaland is inaugurated as the 16th state of India.
2000
The first Hornbill Festival opens on Statehood Day.
Today
The day begins ten days of festival in Kohima.
How it is celebrated in different places
Kohima
State functions and the opening of the Hornbill Festival at Kisama.
District towns
Local functions, sports and dances in each district.
Naga communities outside the state
Groups in Delhi, Bengaluru and abroad meet for food and song.
Nagaland Statehood Day moments
Nagaland Statehood Day today
People share greetings, wear traditional shawls and headgear, and enjoy Naga music and food. Many families travel to Kohima for the opening of the Hornbill Festival.
