Rongmei Naga

The Rongmei (Ruangmei) is a major Naga tribe. Majority of these indigenous people is found in the Tamenglong district of Manipur state, and they are also found in a contiguous area but in different states of Assam and Nagaland in North-East India. They were divided when the official boundaries were set by the Government of India. They shared the same history and traditions with the tribes Zeme, Liangmai, and Inpui. Most Rongmei live in the Tamenglong district of Manipur. Some of the Rongmei reside in Imphal valley, the capital city of Manipur. In Nagaland they are settled in Kohima, Dimapur and Jalukie. In Assam the Rongmei are found in North Cachar and Silchar areas. The Rongmei are patrilineal and patriarchal. The Rongmei dance is the most popular dance of Manipur. Gaan-Ngai is their biggest festival, celebrated annually in December or January.