Luira festival unifies villagers of Hungpung
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, March 04 2019: The annual celebration of seed sowing festival has unified the villagers of Hungpung, who were settled at two different locations at Lower and Upper Hungpung as one big village of Ukhrul district, report our correspondent.

According to our correspondent, the villagers of lower and upper Hungpung have been longing to celebrate the traditional Luira phanit together in one common place for many years to fill the vacuum of their physical attachment.

Their wishes have come to fruition this year courtesy to headman Peter Wungngayung, who has donated land to construct a public ground at Khayaiwo Leingapha, Awungtang and to build a monument which was officially dedicated today to the people of Hungpung for hosting regular annual festive event for the village, added our correspondent.

Pastor Rev N Hopeson Rashing unveiled the erected monument before the celebration of the festival while the headman Peter Wungngayung invoked traditional ritual "Shimlui Thuikhami" in local dialect for sowing the seed of the year in order to commence the new year agricultural activities from today onward.

For many years, even though both the lower and upper Hungpung was governed by one headman, they celebrate the festival separately, however Luira festival has brought seven clans of Hungpung village in one common platform this year that has fulfilled the yearning desire of the villagers.

James Kashung retd MFS, who attended as chief guest in the inaugural function, hoisted the village flag to mark the beginning of new year festive celebration.

Speaking at the occasion, James Kashung said Luira festival is not just a mere celebration but it is their cultural identity while adding that youngster has to preserve and promote their culture for the future generation.

Speeches from guest of honour, Chanyo YL emphasized on human resource development in order to develop and uplift the society.

The traditional belief of village and act of cleansing evil spirit for the newly constructed ground followed by typical village folk dance called "Luilaikakhai" were performed by Vashimnao troupes.

The festival will be celebrated for two days in which cultural dance, folk dance, sporting activities like bamboo pole climbing, wrestling, javeline throw, spinning top, beauty pageant, solo standup comedy will be showcased in high spirit.

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