Why in news?

• The Tikhir tribe of Nagaland is currently observing their important annual festival called Tsonglaknyi from October 9th to 12th,
• It is a festival of sanctifying shields and weapons, symbolizing protection and valor. 

About the Tikhir tribe:

• The Tikhir tribe is an indigenous Naga tribe primarily found in Nagaland, with some members living across the border in Myanmar.
• According to the 2011 census, the Tikhir population in Nagaland was 7,537.
• They are recognized as a Scheduled Tribe.
• The Tikhir speak a language called Naga Yimchungru, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
• Historically, the Tikhir were headhunters, and a man's prestige depended on the number of enemies he had killed.
• Their traditional livelihood is based on agriculture and hunting.

Most Tikhirs have converted to Christianity with the arrival of Christian missionaries but many continue to practice elements of their folk religion alongside Christianity.

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