An international tourist enjoys a traditional brew at a Morung during the Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 9
Traditional brews have become a highlight at the Hornbill Festival, with bamboo mugs filled with the age-old drinks served at tribal Morungs and food stalls throughout the event. Over the years, these brews have become an indispensable part of the festival experience.
Chris, an international tourist, enjoys a sip of Thutshe, the traditional rice beer of the Angami tribe. He notes the drink’s unique balance of sweet and sour flavors, chilled to perfection. Chris adds that the drink would be perfect for the summer, ideal for sipping on a relaxed afternoon.
Rice beer holds a deep cultural significance for the Nagas, playing an essential role in their social and ceremonial life, tied to specific times, places, seasons, and festivals.
Tribal Morungs showcase a variety of brews, each with its own distinct preparation and presentation. For the Aos, a dedicated stall offers traditional brews made from sticky rice, local rice, and job’s tears. When asked about the source of the brews, volunteers at the stall explain that they are either brought in from nearby villages or prepared in advance at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama to meet the high demand during the festival.
This preparation method is common across many tribes, with brews either made on-site or transported in large containers. The brewing processes, while similar, feature slight variations in ingredients and techniques, with locally prepared yeasts playing a key role in fermentation.
While rice is the primary ingredient in many of these drinks, not all traditional brews are rice-based. The Pochury tribe, for instance, offers Aji, a potent fermented drink made from sticky or glutinous rice. A volunteer explains that the drink is "pure and strong," with no added sugar or water. Due to the labor-intensive process of brewing, a bottle of Aji is sold for Rs 1300.
The Chang tribe, on the other hand, showcases a selection of drinks made from locally sourced grains like millet, maize, and job’s tears. Volunteers at their Morung explain that millet beer is particularly popular among festival-goers, thanks to its distinctive flavor and rich cultural heritage.
Beyond these, visitors to the festival can enjoy a range of other traditional drinks, such as black tea or Angh Khulap from the Konyak tribe, and Thudzü from the Chakhesang tribe, offering a truly diverse and authentic taste of Naga culture.
