5 Guinness World Records That Put Nagaland on the Map

DIMAPUR — Nagaland -- that misty, green slice of northeast India-- might not be the first place one thinks of when one hears “world records.” But it should be. Because while some places are breaking records for tallest buildings or fastest cars, Nagaland is out here growing freakishly tall herbs, kicking the air in defiance of gravity, and uniting thousands in perfect harmony — literally.

Here are five wonderful and wildly impressive Guinness World Records (unbroken as on May 19, 2025) that came straight out of Nagaland.

         Seyieneinuo with the record-breaking coriander plant in her kitchen garden in Wokha village.

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  A Coriander Plant Taller Than You
• In New Wokha village, someone decided coriander should stop being a humble garnish and start towering like a backyard giant. That someone is Yilobemo Erui, and his coriander plant grew to a ridiculous 2.77 metres — that’s over 9 feet tall.
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• The officials came, measured, and confirmed it on April 25, 2024. The plant crushed the previous record and may have also made curry prep a little more exciting in the Erui household. Talk about farm-to-table — or rather, ladder-to-table.
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• [Related story: Wokha couple's coriander plant sets new world record]
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• Martial Arts Kick That Nearly Hit the Ceiling
• Ever tried to kick something 14 feet in the air? Neither have we. But someone from Nagaland did — and succeeded. On a July 2023 episode of India’s Got Talent, a martial artist trained by Faith In Action Academy soared to a jaw-dropping height of 4.39 metres with an assisted kick.
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• That’s higher than most ceilings, most humans, and most people's expectations. It beat the previous record set in China and proved that gravity is apparently optional in Nagaland.
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• [Related story: Faith in Action from Nagaland sets world record]

    

Faith in Action team after setting a world record.                                         

Nagaland Rocks a Massive Guitar Jam

If you’ve ever played air guitar and thought you were cool, imagine 368 people actually playing real guitars together — in sync, in tune, and in public.

That’s what happened in Dimapur on January 12, 2013, when musicians aged 11 to 70 picked up their electric guitars and belted out “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Guns N' Roses. It wasn’t just loud — it was legendary. The event was about peace and unity but maybe also about shredding strings in true rock fashion.

A Rhododendron Tree That’s Basically a Floral Skyscraper

Nagaland isn’t just breaking records with action and sound — it’s got some quiet giants too. Like the scarlet rhododendron tree standing on Mount Japfü. This botanical behemoth is 109 feet tall and holds the title of the tallest rhododendron tree in the world.

Discovered in 1993, this isn't your average garden shrub. It’s basically a floral skyscraper set in the forest — blooming proof that Nagaland’s natural side is just as record-worthy.

[Related story: Of a fire on Mount Japfü]

                  A section of the Konyak women dancers during their Guinness World Record attempt.

• Nearly 5,000 Women Dancing in Perfect Harmony
• And finally, let’s talk about the big one. In 2019, in the town of Mon, 4,687 Konyak women came together in full traditional attire and danced. Not just for fun — though we’re sure it was — but to break the Guinness World Record for the largest traditional Konyak dance.
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• The event was part of the Aoleang Monyu Mini Hornbill Festival and was as much a celebration of heritage as it was a jaw-dropping show of unity. Imagine nearly 5,000 people moving in rhythm — it’s cultural magic.
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• Nagaland might not always be in the headlines when it comes to records, but when it is, it tends to do something unforgettable. So next time someone talks about Guinness World Records, feel free to flex your Nagaland knowledge. You’ll probably surprise them. And maybe inspire them to grow a really tall coriander plant.
  
  [Related story: It’s official! Konyak Union sets Guinness World Record]