Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Nagaland Tribe's Ancient Tradition: Speaking to Bees Before Honey Harvest
Imagine a special group of people in a place called Nagaland who are very kind to bees.
Before they collect honey, they whisper nice things to the bees, asking them to share.
They believe if they are polite, the bees will let them have some honey.
They even try to guide the bees away gently with smoke so they don't get disturbed too much.
This way, the people get honey for their village, and the bees are not harmed, allowing them to make more honey next time.
It's like being good friends with nature to share its gifts.
The Khiamniungan tribe in Nagaland, India, speaks to honey bees before harvesting honey.
This ancient practice is believed to ensure a peaceful coexistence and successful honey collection.
Honey collection is a vital part of the Choklangan village's livelihood, historically traded for essentials.
The tribe uses smoke to encourage bees to move to a new location, minimizing disturbance.
Honey is collected twice a year, in April-May and again in October.
- Who
- The Khiamniungan tribe of Nagaland
- What
- Practice an ancient tradition of communicating with honey bees before harvesting honey, ensuring a sustainable coexistence.
- When
- Traditionally, with harvests in April-May and October.
- Where
- Choklangan village, Noklak district, Nagaland.
- Why
- To maintain a harmonious balance with nature and ensure the continued availability of honey for their livelihood.
- Tribe
- Khiamniungan
- Village
- Choklangan, Noklak district, Nagaland
- Bee Species
- Cliff bees
- Harvest Seasons
- April-May and October
- Traditional Trade
- Honey and wax for salt and medicines from Myanmar