Mapum village celebrates Luita Haato Phanit
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, February 15 2022: Mapum village in Ukhrul district on Tuesday came alive with cultural extravaganza as it began celebrating its Luita Haato Phanit, an annual seed-sowing festival.

The inaugural function of the festival was attended by retired headmaster Pebam Joykumar as chief guest and Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) council member SA Hormi Zimik as guest of honour.

Joykumar hoisted the ceremonial flag in the presence of local headman AS Wungchan, Luita chairman Aphung Shimray and former Ukhrul ADC member Yangmi Shimray.

Speaking on the occasion, Joykumar who married a woman from the village expressed his joy and elation at joining the villagers in celebrating the festival after a long time.

He got emotional as he recalled the nostalgic time when he was posted as a headmaster in the village back in the 1970s."I wish you all a joyous celebration of Luita Haato Phanit and also a blessed year ahead," he said.

In his speech, Hormi Zimik said that Luita Phanit is a festival celebrated to seek the divine blessings for a bountiful harvest before the villagers start their annual seed-sowing and agricultural activities.

"With the celebration of Luita Phanit, may the almighty bless each and every one, especially the women folks," he said.

As a way of blessing, headman Wungchan distributed paddy seeds to the village women folks as they lined up carrying a traditional basket.

Significantly, this year, the annual celebration drew as many as 207 Yorlas (local women outside the village) along with their husbands, from different parts of the state.

The headman presented each of the Yorlas with Kongsang, a Tangkhul traditional neckpiece as a gesture of love, goodwill and relationship.

The village chief also showered all the Yorlas with prayer invoking divine blessing for their welfare.

The celebration also saw a series of cultural display including Tangkhul folk songs and dances.

Mapum village situated behind the scenic Shirui Kashung peak, about 40 km east of Ukhrul district headquarters, is well-known for its concern and penchant for preserving the age-old custom and culture of the Tangkhul community.

Luita Choir, Mapun Katamnao Long (MKL) and other groups enthralled the crowd with their colourful cultural items including Hao Laa, Pheichak (footstep dance) and the like. Ashangva Khamahon was also conducted wherein all the festive attendee attired in colourful traditional clothes joined the dance troupe in traditional chanting and performing footstep dance.

Apart from the Yorlas, a crowd of 604 people including dignitaries, invitees and relatives attended the celebration which will continue till February 18 .

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