Khautsausie[1] is a harvest festival celebrated every January by the Khiamniungans of Noklak district Nagaland state, India.[2] It is alternatively called and spelled Khaozaosie-Hok-Ah, Khaozaosey-hok-ah and sometimes called Khaozaosie. .[3]
The term is combination of two words i.e. Khautsau which is derived from the meaning “Bamboo Container with a Straw pipe”, and Sie relates to a brew of local wine.[3] During this festival grains are used as a part of rituals and also for feasting.[4] It is a time of forgiveness and restoration of peace between villagers, sharing food and meat with the kins and fellow communities to ensure strong bondage between kins, relatives and communities.[5] The ceremony is followed by traditional dances by both men and women, and the focus is given on handicrafts, traditional arts, indigenous games and sports.[6]
This festival is celebrated by exchanging and sharing drinks and meat with dancing and merry making after burning the fields is done. [2] This festival marked the end of agricultural activities thus precedes the Thanksgiving ceremony. [7] [8] The inclusiveness of the festival exhibits potential tourism in the region and rejuvenation of cultural values ingrained in its history.[6]
Traditional art form : Ministry of Tribal Affairs