IMPHAL, November 1: The Kut Festival, 2013 was observed today amidst much fanfare and fervor at the Parade Ground of the 1st Manipur Rifles.
The Governor of Mizoram, Vakikom B Purushothaman appreciated being invited to Manipur to witness and take part in the Kut festival as the chief guest.
It may be mentioned that for the first time in the history of the celebration, a dignitary from another state has graced the function as the chief guest.
Besides the Mizoram Governor, the morning session was also attended by Dr Ashwani Kumar, the Governor of Manipur and Nagaland as the chief host. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and MP of Lok Sabha, Thangso Baite also attended as the guests of honour with Health Minister, Phungzathang Tonsing presiding over the proceedings.
Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, DGP MK Das, senior officials of various government departments were also present at the festival.
The Kut 2013, was formally inaugurated by Governor B Purushothaman who also released the Kut souvenir.
The ‘Kut Pa’ was accorded to Solenki Chothe and the ‘Kut Personality’ was conferred to Veradin Selsi Lamkang.
It may be mentioned that the Kut festival, the post harvest festival is the biggest celebration of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities and celebrated by more than 21 different tribes.
The festival was marked by traditional dances from several ethnic communities inclusive of Hmar, Maring, Paite, Aimol, Anal, Chote, Kom etc.
Ten contestants walked the ramp for the main attraction, the Miss Kut contest for the traditional round exhibiting ethnic wear with a modern design.
Mizoram Governor, B Puroshothaman in his address mentioned that Manipur is blessed to have a rich cultural bounty and the display of dances by different communities is a joy to behold; before adding that the Kut festival is an expression of harmony, hope and peace and a moment of unity, a celebration of conciliation and an expansion of the tribal legacy.
He stated that such festival could promote tourism and reverberates across cultural boundaries.
“It is a platform to bring people together,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Governor of Manipur and Nagaland, Ashwani Kumar noted that the festival is recognized by the nation and is an opportunity to witness the rich culture and tradition of the different communities of the state.
Voicing his satisfaction with large participation of youths in the festival, he said that it is a different flavor to see the energetic youths exhibiting their tradition.
He also lamented that the state witnesses different violent acts inclusive of threats and extortion. However, he assured that the scale of wanton violence had come down and the law and order situation in the State has improved.
“Tension between communities has reduced but hatred may return unless firm action is taken to prohibit violence, weapons and bombs. People have to remain vigilant and join hands to ensure that peace and harmony continues to prevail,” the Governor said.