Imphal, November 19: The Hmar community in Bangalore celebrated Sikpui Ruoi (Sikpui Feast) the most important, post-harvest, festival of the tribehere at Sena Vihar Hall, Kamanahalli, on November 17 with pomp and show.

Pu Lalrosem Songate, retired IAS officer from Hyderabad, graced the occasion as chief guest while Rev Jonathan Pudaite was honoured with 'Sikpui Pa' (Sikpui Father).

Speaking on the origin and the importance of the festival 'Sikpui Pa', Rev Pudaite, observed that 'Sikpui Ruoi' has now evolved as a "secular event free from religious connotations of our ancestors".

The chief guest Pu Songate released Bangalore Hmar Directory 2007-08 prepared by the Hmar Students Association, Bangalore Branch.

"We (read Hmars) are one great lucky tribe to be everywhere… We are great through the help of God," said Pu Songate who implored the audience to always "think big".

The Hmar Students Association which organized the event gave memorabilia to Pu Laldatlien F.Tusing, airport senior manager, Air India (Bangalore) and Tv David Buhril, a reporter with Northeast Sun (Delhi) for their "service towards the Hmar community".

Hundreds of Hmar community membersmostly natives of Manipur and Assamfrom all over India's Silicon Valley attended the festival.

The crowd was filled with awe by the cultural shows and special numbers moved their hands and legs.

Thought many unofficial photographers flock the front stage to capture most of the show Mr&Miss Sikpui Ruoi received much more attention.

The audience voted Grace L.Khobung, a hotel management student, as 'Miss Sikpui Ruoi' and Ruoltinkung Paruolte, a student form Kristu Jayanti College, as 'Mr Sikpui Ruoi'.

The two are from Churachandpur district.

"This is the first time I've enjoyed Sikpui festival so much.

I don't expect that many would have turn-up," said Joseph Risang a Bible student.

By the time the program ended late in the evening members feasted the 'sikpui ruoi' (sikpui feast) prepared in the Hmar traditional way.

"Most members are looking forward for another edition of the festival next year," said an official of the organizing committee.

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