Luira Phanit celebrated with festive gaiety
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 12 2015:
Celebration of the annual seed sowing festival of Tangkhuls "Luira Phanit" began with much fanfare at Tongou village High School Ground of Ukhrul district on March 11 .
Tongou village chief Athem A Shimray unveiled a "Luira Phanit Stone" and later opened the three-day long festival during a glittering function.
SV Ngachan Francis, Director, ICAR, Shillong attended the event as chief guest and Athem A Shimray as president.
JA Shimray, senior manager, Bank of Baroda; Grinder Muiva, social activist; Weapon Zimik, president, TNL; KS Railing, president, TNWL and Assurance Raikham, programme executive, DK Imphal were also present on the occasion as guests of honour.
|
In his speech, Athem A Shimray extended his best wishes to all villagers for a peaceful and prosperous year on the occasion of Luira Phanit festival.
He said traditional custom and culture of Tangkhuls living in Tongou village have been preserving their traditional custom and culture by celebrating the festival of Luira Phanit every year.
KS Raiching said Luira Phanit was celebrated by worshiping local deities in the past but later started praying to Jesus "since we became Christians" .
However, he emphasized the need for protecting the old ways of celebrating the festival which have been modified slightly.
War dance, Laa Khanganvi and folk songs were performed by Tarung Khangava at the event.
Indigenous Tangkhul wrestling was held on Thursday as part of the festival.
A competition for folk song and dances was also organized.