Kut soothes frayed nerves, warms early winter chill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01 2013 : Kut, a post-harvest festival and perhaps the most popular festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities was celebrated today at 1st Bn Manipur Rifles parade ground at the State level.

Unlike the previous years, the Kut function was graced by Mizoram Governor Vakkom B Purusothaman as chief guest while his Manipur counterpart Ashwani Kumar was the chief host of the occasion.

Traditional dance and music, modern music and Miss Kut Contest 2013 were the main features of the Kut celebration.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing presided the function while Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and MP Thangso Baite were also present as guests of honour.

Mizoram Governor Vakkom B Purushothaman opened the festival by striking the traditional Shembung (cymbal) three times and releasing a balloon attached with a banner embossed with the words 'Kut 2013' .

The Mizoram Governor also released a souvenir.

Miss Kut Lhingjanei Kipgen

Speaking at the occasion, Purusothaman remarked that Manipuri people celebrate numerous festivals and Kut is counted among the most popular and significant festivals.

Kut festival always brings a sense of unity besides propagating a message of peace and progress.

Kut festival can certainly attract tourists and is a fine example of preserving and promoting tribal legacy.

Traditional dance and music presented at the Kut festival are messengers of peace and progress, stated Purusothaman.

For this year's Kut, Solengki Chothe was given the prestigious title of Kutpa while Beradin Silsi Lamkang was adjudged the Kut Personality.

There was never a dull moment throughout the celebration as the rhythm and lively performance of traditional and modern tribal music and dance kept the audience enthralled throughout.

A number of Ministers, MLAs, MDC Members, high ranking civil and police officials, Church leaders and people from different walks of life attended the grand function.

In his speech, Manipur Governor Ashwani Kumar said that the Kut festival celebrated by not only CHIKIMS people but also other tribal groups has been recognised by the Government of India as a tourist festival.

The festival provides a perfect platform to highlight the rich cultural heritage and musical tradition of the CHIKIMS people to the international community.

Stating that he felt privileged to be the chief host of this year's Kut festival which is his first participation in a Kut festival, Ashwani Kumar conveyed that he was impressed on seeing the zeal and dedication of the young organisers.

Apart from the declining trend in crimes and violent activities, communal conflicts have come down considerably in Manipur as compared to the last few years, he asserted.

Nonetheless, the situation still demands that people remain vigilant.

The Governor further wished that the Kut festival may bring peace, development and unity in Manipur.

Later in the evening session, Chief Minister O Ibobi who attended the function as the chief guest called upon the people to live up to the spirit of Kut, which is about brotherhood, peace and stability.

Let the festival usher in an era peace, communal harmony and brotherly co-existence, he exhorted the gathering.

In between different programmes of the grand event , the gathering observed one-minute silence in memory of the departed souls of leaders of the State.

Later in the evening, Miss Kut Beauty Pageant was held with Chief Minister O Ibobi as the chief guest.

Notably, it was in 1982 when the State Government recognised Kut festival as a State festival and declared State holiday on November 1 .