Mass prayer sessions mark Chavang Kut celebration
Source: Chronicle News Service
KPI/CCpur, November 01 2024:
Kuki-Zo community across Kangpokpi district celebrated Chavang Kut, the largest post-harvest festival of the community, as 'Kut for Christ, a day of prayer and unity.
The celebration on the theme 'Do all to the Glory of God' was organised by Kuki-Zo Nampi Taona under Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) with the solemn celebration held at four venues in Kangpokpi district, including the main event at Brigadier M Thomas ground, Kangpokpi town.
The day-long event included cultural dances, motivational speeches, hymn singing and prayers for the success of the Kuki-Zo movement, well-being of Kuki-Zo leaders, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) .
In a break from tradition, the festival was re-envisioned this year as a solemn prayer event rather than a festive event.
Leaders from Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills, Sadar Hills Chiefs' Association, CoTU and various civil society organisations along with church leaders delivered messages of resilience and unity.
The celebration highlighted the Kuki-Zo community's faith and determination as well as its commitment to preserving cultural identity amid challenging times.
Addressing gathering, CoTU general secretary Lamminlun Singsit said that Kuki-Zo community gathered in the spirit of unity to celebrate Chavang Kut-2024 as it is dedicated to Christ.
By celebrating Chavang Kut as 'Kut for Christ', the community seeks to reaffirm its Christian beliefs while uniting its political and spiritual aspirations.
The festival serves as a moment of communal prayer, where participants collectively seek wisdom, resilience, and success in their quest for self-governance, he said and urged entire members of the community to embrace the present journey with faith and courage.
Participants at the main Chavang Kut event engaged in spirited discussions about significance of the movement, drawing inspiration from the words of their leaders and the support of one another.
Similar events were also held at Saikul playground, Gelnal village and Leimakhong Moulding village, as well as in the border town Moreh at Hill Tribal Council (HTC) conference hall.
Organised by the HTC, the festivities began with a reverent praise and worship service.
Attendees in traditional attire showcased the community's deep cultural pride, participating in folk dances and songs that reflected gratitude for the harvest and a message of solidarity.
The event fostered an atmosphere of celebration, resilience, and hope, reminding all present of the enduring strength of the Kuki-Zo community.
Representatives from the Kuki Inpi Tengnoupal, Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Kuki Khanglai Lompi (KKL) and Kuki Women Union addressed the attendees, stressing the power of unity and shared goal of peace, urging everyone to remember their cultural roots and heritage even in adversity.
In Churachandpur district, contrary to previous years' trend of celebrating the post-harvest Kut Festival, Kuki Nampi Taona (KNT) organised a mass prayer programme to mark Chavang Kut at Kuki Christian Church (KCC), Molnom on Friday.
The prayer programme was attended by reverend Dr Robert Haulemsamg as the main speaker.
Jangngam Doungel of Gospel Artistes led the gathering in offering prayers and worship.
The programme was inaugurated by KNT advisor reverend LB Angam in prayer, followed by a welcome address by KCC, Molnom chairman Sothang and keynote address by KNT chaiman Hemlun Haokip.
Later, KNT artistes and Molnom church choir led the gathering in singing songs of praise to the lord.
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