Ngayo crowned with Miss Luira title
Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang

Ukhrul, February 19 2011: The five-day-long Hunphun Luira concluded here last night amid gusto and fanfare with 'Miss Luira' contest as the main attraction.

The event was considered as the most successful seed sowing festival of the Tangkhuls ever celebrated in the midst of blissful hodgepodge of enchanting songs, dances and varied traditional games.

Earlier in the day yesterday the celebration was graced by Principal Secretary (Works & Transport) Ram Muivah as the chief guest and proprietor of OTC Junior School Paotam Zimik as the guest of honour.

The Principal Secretary in his speech said Luira Phanit is one of the biggest festivals of Tangkhuls celebrated every year with traditional rituals and dances throughout the festivity season which by and large commences from February.

Owing to the great significance the festival holds, the State Government has declared February 15 (Lui-Ngai-Ni or Luira in Tangkhul) as State holiday in its official calendar, he said.

Miss Luira 2011 MC Ngayo flanked by 1st and 2nd reuner-up of Beauty contest held in Ukhrul

Observing the significance of the festival Ram said most of the history and rituals of the customary practice in olden days were performed on this day where the present generation has a vista to come to know their own culture by witnessing in this celebration.

Hao/Tangkhul song is one of the best songs in terms of value and tune as it is the basis of records of history, occupation and the situation that the forefathers faced at times where there was nothing in written form, he observed.

"Historically, most of the Tangkhul villagers live in a republic form based on federal clans an sub-clans structure since time immemorial and democratically decide what is best for them and followed open democracy and the people's decision always prevails and this kind of system is noted by many prominent writers from foreign countries," he said.

"Besides this, the traditional-wear like Haora (Shawl) is the most beautiful and colourful shawl in the world, he added.

Later in the night the last session of the festival, Miss Beauty Contest was graced by AC of Ukhrul district Armstrong Pame as chief guest and SDPO of Ukhrul police, MCS Lanmayo Luikham as guest of honour.

While the most coveted Miss Luira 2011 title went to MC Ngayo (18), the first runner-up and second runner-up were bagged by Shonchui Lungsung (18) and Soreishon Luikham (18) respectively.