Moatsu
The Ao festival of rest and renewal after the sowing.
Moatsu is the festival of the Ao Nagas, celebrated in the first days of May once the hard work of clearing fields and sowing is done. It is a time of rest, thanksgiving and community bonding, marked by the Sangpangtu — a great fire around which people sing and dance — feasting on meat and rice beer, and days of song that renew the bonds of the village.
Centred on Mokokchung, the cultural capital of the Ao country, it is a warm, welcoming festival that gives a genuine taste of Naga village life away from the big Hornbill crowds.
Know before you go
- Best experienced around Mokokchung and its historic villages such as Ungma.
- An Inner Line Permit is required for Nagaland.
- Combine with a visit to the scenic Ao hill country.
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1–10 December 2026
The 'festival of festivals' — all sixteen Naga tribes in one place. The Northeast's single biggest draw; book months ahead.