Cultural displays mark Luira Phanit in Hyderabad
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, February 22 2023:
Tangkhul community in Hyderabad on Tuesday celebrated its 8th Luira Phanit, the annual seed-sowing festival, with great cultural fervour and gaiety.
The celebration, which showcased the rich culture and tradition of the Tangkhuls, was organised by Tangkhul Katamnao Long, Hyderabad (TKLH) at Telangana Saraswatha Parishad, Tilak Road, Abids in Hyderabad.
The proceedings of the cultural spring festival began with Reverend Chihangam Tamang, pastor of Tangkhul Church, Hyderabad (TCH) invoking the divine blessings.
TKLH president, Mayosing Sasa, welcomed the participants, who turned up in colourful traditional attires, and exhorted them to participate in the various activities that were set up for the day.
The participants, drawn from different walks of life, took a day off, on a sunny Tuesday, to get together and celebrate the spring festival, which promises a new hope and a successful year ahead.
Speaking during the celebration, Awo Wonmi KYS, an elder of the community, stressed on the importance of celebrating Luira Phanit and added: "We are to celebrate this Phanit; no matter where we are because it is a cultural marker for Tangkhuls.
It is to give thanks to God for His abundance, His mercies and His love" .
A cultural troupe from Chingjaroi village opened the cultural session with a Pheichak (cultural dance) performance.
The dance depicted the age old Tangkhul agricultural practices that have been passed down by forefathers, and remained unchanged through gen erations.
The song that accompanied the dance signified the joy and thanksgiving during the act of tilling the soil, sowing the seeds and celebrating a bountiful harvest in the end.
As part of the celebration, the Women Society of TCH presented a Hao Laa performance, while young boys and girls displayed their talents through dance, song and choreography items.
Another attraction of the day was a fashion show that showcased a range of beautiful Tangkhul traditional handloom costumes that can be worn in various styles and designs.
Various competitions like pork eating challenge, arm wrestling and lemon eating were also held.
The celebration culminated with distribution prizes to the winners of various competitions.
Edward Phinao, Home Evangelist (TCH) formally closed the day's event with prayer and thanksgiving.