| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 11,071[1][2] Nagaland | |
| Languages | |
| Tikhir language | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Yimkhiung, OtherNaga people |
TheTikhirs are aNagaethnic group inhabiting the Northeast Indian state ofNagaland. According to the 2011 census, the population of the Tikhir people in Nagaland was 7,537. They are recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (STs) by India.[3]
They celebrate "TSONGLAKNYI" festival, which is observed from 9–12 October every year. The word 'tsonglaknyi' is made up of two words: "Tsong" means Shield and "lak" means sanctification. Tsonglaknyi basically is a festival of the sanctification of Shield. It also means sanctification of the weapons along with their wealth and valuable assets, as well as the purification of the men folk before going out for head hunting (earlier days). In short, it is a festival of purification. This festival is one of the most important among the Tikhir festivals celebrated, stretching for four days.[4]
| Mizoram |  Naga woman | |
|---|---|---|
| Nagaland | ||
| Meghalaya | ||
| Arunachal Pradesh | ||
| Manipur | ||
| Tripura | ||
| Assam | ||
| Sikkim | ||
| Kuki tribes including: | ||
| Naga tribes including: | ||