The Garos of Nagaland have lived in the Dimapur region since time immemorial and were once closely connected to the ancient kingdom of Dimapur. The present Garo community in Nagaland descends from the second migratory group of Garos who moved from Tibet through Myanmar. According to oral traditions, the Garos living in Myanmar were repeatedly attacked by hostile forces, prompting them to seek safer lands. Their long journey across mountains and rivers eventually led them to Manipur, and from there, several groups spread into what is now Nagaland.

The Garos who settled in Nagaland were led by the Nokmas (chieftains) Muga Dingsepa and Siram Ajimpa, whom the present Garo population considers their founding leaders. Early settlements emerged around the foothills of Samaguting (now Chümoukedima), with some groups also residing in Angami regions such as Khonoma, Medziphema, and Kohima. One of the earliest villages, Panbari near Samaguting, no longer exists, but it served as an initial settlement after their migration from Burma.

Garo culture is defined by a strong matrilineal kinship system in which lineage and inheritance pass through the mother’s line. Women hold central positions in family life, while men, such as the nokrom (husband of the heiress), shoulder significant responsibilities in managing household and agricultural affairs. Community cooperation is deeply valued, historically reinforced by the Nokpante, the bachelors’ dormitory that served as a center for learning, discipline, and civic duties.

Traditional Garo spirituality, known as Songsarek, reflects harmony with nature and belief in a world shared with spirits and deities. Agricultural life, especially shifting cultivation, shapes their worldview, while festivals like Wangala express gratitude to nature and the sun god, Saljong.

Garo traditions emphasize hard work, communal unity, and respect for ancestors, seen in rites such as offering food to departed souls and erecting memorial stones. Their attire typically includes handwoven garments, beads, and ornaments used in both daily life and festivals, symbolizing identity, heritage, and social values.