1st Assam State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concluded
- Guwahati, April 4th, 2025 -

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1st Assam State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concludes in Guwahati

The first Assam state-level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival was successfully held on April 4, 2025 at Rukmininagar Auditorium, Guwahati, Assam under the theme "A celebration of identity; a journey of peace" with vibrant participation and enthusiastic support, featuring three structured sessions - Morning (Inaugural), Noon, and Evening (Closing).

The festival was a vibrant celebration of the Thadou community’s unique cultural identity, rich heritage, and shared aspirations in Assam and the wider Northeast region of India. Apart from the several Thadou cultural shows, diverse communities of Assam participated in the event with their impressive colourful cultural shows, including Bihu/Assamese, Bodo, Dimasa, Gorkha/Nepali, making the biggest festival of Thadou people truly a symbol of unity in diversity while celebrating the Thadou community’s unique culture.

The Morning session commenced with a cultural performance by Songbung Thadou village and the Thadou-Hun Theme Song performed by Pu Thangminsem Doungel. Rev. TS Thadou, Pastor of Thadou Christian Fellowship, Guwahati, offered the opening prayer, followed by a welcome address by the Chairman of the Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Organising Committee Assam (HFOCA) 2025. Rev. Paochon Hangsing, Executive Secretary of the Thadou Baptist Association Assam, led the Thadou-Hun Maicham (invocation of God’s blessings).

A major highlight was the unveiling of the Souvenir Booklet (Sinkhup - Assam 1.0 with a special edition on the distinct identity of Thadou people) by Chief Guest Pu Konthoujam Govindas, ex-Minister and six-time consecutively elected MLA of 26-Bishenpur AC, Manipur, which was dedicated by Rev. Hangsing. The morning session also featured cultural performances, including a Thadou dance by TSA Guwahati and an Assamese Bihu dance by the Borhamathuri Bihu Group.

In his address at the inaugural session, Chief Guest Pu Govindas appealed the Thadous of Assam to impress upon the Thadous of Manipur to play a pivotal role in promoting community understanding and peace in Manipur.

1st Assam State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concludes in Guwahati

Dignitaries present included: Pu M. James Thadou (President, Thadou Inpi Manipur); Pu Dinganglung Gangmei (MLA and Chairman, Hill Areas Committee); Pu M. Rameshwar Singh (MLA, 37-Kakching AC) Pu Thongam Shanti Singh (MLA, 27-Moirang AC); The session was presided over by Pu C. Hmingsanga, Assistant General Secretary of the Mizo Zirlai Pawl-GHQ.

The Noon Session, moderated by Dr. M. Paosei Haokip (President, Thadou Human Rights Advocacy), focused on discussions surrounding indigenous identity and development. Pu Michael Lamjathang Haokip (President, TSA-GHQ) delivered a keynote address on the distinctiveness of the indigenous Thadou tribe in Assam vis-à-vis Manipur and Northeast India.

A Gorkha cultural dance by Dispur College Gorkha Unit and a musical performance by Thangminsem added color to the session. Pi Chongboi Haokip, member of Britain's Chartered Institute of Horticulture, MCIHort (Pinnacle Biosciences, UK), presented on strategies for channeling the festival toward sustainable development, while social worker Pu Jalun Haokip (Australia) presented an insightful reflection on the Manipur violence, focusing on peace and non-violent solutions.

Special Guest Pu Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, Government of Assam, acknowledged the distinct identity of the Thadou tribe in Assam, emphasizing its uniqueness among the tribal communities of the state. He assured the gathering that the concerns and aspirations of the Thadou people would be conveyed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, for due consideration. Commending the visionary leadership and problem-solving approach of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, he noted that many of Assam’s complex issues have been successfully resolved through dialogue and negotiation. He further underlined the importance of presenting the culture, traditions, and concerns of the Thadou community effectively, recognizing these elements as integral to the assertion of Thadou rights.

The special guest stressed that addressing such matters requires a constitutional and political approach, one that respects societal norms and legal frameworks processes that naturally take time. Looking ahead, he expressed his eagerness to engage in future programs celebrating Thadou culture and heritage. He concluded his address by wishing the Thadou community every success in their pursuit of recognition and distinct identity.

A memorandum addressed to Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa was submitted through minister Brahma, highlighting key demands of the Thadou community of Assam, including the recognition of Thadou Customary Law in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, inclusion of the Thadou language in the Shiksha Setu portal, a memorial inscription honoring Pu Ngulhao Thomsong (pioneer of Thadou literature and mission), representation in the Harangajao (Durbin) constituency, listing of Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival as a state holiday (restricted) in Assam, and recognition of Thadou tribe as a distinct independent hills tribe in Assam, separate from the Any Kuki tribes.

1st Assam State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concludes in Guwahati

The Evening (Closing) session was marked by dynamic cultural exchange and symbolic performances, including a traditional Dimasa dance, a musical number by Meitei artist Sori, and a cultural showcase by the Bodo Literary Society. A joint performance by Hon’ble MLA Pu L. Susindro Yaima Meitei and Sori Senjam was another highlight, symbolizing unity through art.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of HFOCA 2025 expressed deep gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and supporters. He specially acknowledged Chief Guest Pu Md. Abdul Nasir (MLA, Lilong), Special Guest Pu Urkhao Gwra Brahma, and Guests of Honour Pu L. Susindro Yaima Meitei, Pu Th. Shyamkumar Singh, Pu Kh. Ibomcha, and Pu S. Kunjakeswor Singh for their presence and inspiring words. He thanked Pu C. Lalremruata, Founder of Zo Indigenous Forum, for reaffirming Zo brotherhood.

All esteemed dignitaries and guests expressed their deep appreciation for the resilience of Thadou people and their indigenousness and unique identity and culture, while emphasizing the need for this to be preserved by the community and to be respected by others.

Appreciation was extended to the resource persons viz. Pu Michael Lamjathang Haokip, Dr. M. Paosei Haokip, Pi Chongboi Haokip, and Pu Jalun Haokip for their dedication to advancing the Thadou cause through knowledge and advocacy. The organizing committee, led by Mrs. Chongboi and Mrs. Achong, was commended for their resilience, particularly the contributions of Thadou women.

A special mention was made of Pu Michael Lamjathang Haokip’s unwavering leadership, which continues to inspire admiration from all quarters. The vote concluded with the hope that the festival enriched everyone's understanding of the Thadou community and that the spirit of unity and peace would carry forward to Hun 2026. The evening session concluded with a benediction by Lunminsang Sitlhou (Secretary, TCFG) and the traditional Lamkol dance by the Thadou community, bringing the event to a dignified and joyful close.

We thank the Almighty, Government of India, Govt. of Assam and all the well-wishers and participants for making the Thadou cultural festival a grand success despite certain challenges, including opposition from some Kuki organizations, such as the Kuki Inpi Assam and surrendered Kuki militant groups - the Kuki Revolutionary Army, Kuki Liberation Army, and United Kukigam Defence Army.

The successful celebration of the 1st Assam State Level Hun - Thadou Cultural Festival 2025 marks a significant milestone and a historic moment in the history of the Thadou people of Assam. It reflects the resilience, indomitable spirit, and aspirations of the indigenous Thadou people in preserving their distinct cultural identity and pride, and their role in building an inclusive, harmonious, and peaceful society.

Statement: “Thadou is a distinct ethnic group of people. Thadou is not Kuki, or underneath Kuki, or part of Kuki, but a separate, independent entity from Kuki. Any organization that incorporates “Thadou” but espouses Kuki and mis-portrays Thadou as Kuki or a part of Kuki is illegitimate and does not represent Thadou people and interest” – Thadou Convention, 2024.

1st Assam State Level Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival Concludes in Guwahati

Issued by:
Organizing Committee,
First Assam State Hun-Thadou Cultural Festival, 2025