Sorde comes alive to Phanit Nitrei
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 10 2018: With the objective of reviving and promoting the culture and traditions that have been practised since the ancient times, the 33rd Shungri Ramhao (Ramtu)-Phanit Nitrei kick started on January 8 at Shungri (Sorde) village in Kamjong district.

The festival which will be celebrated till tomorrow, also marks the initial customary preparation for cultivation of crops for a year.

Women from Shungri Village, who were married to other places, have been invited to their maternal Village and offered gifts after a feast with their parents, brothers and the villagers.

Sorde comes alive to Phanit Nitrei

The inaugural function of the festival was graced by 43 Phungyar A/C MLA K Leishiyo, Ukhrul ADC Vice Chairman M Isaac, Ukhrul ADC Member S Thotaishang and 17 AR D Company's Post Commander Major Ganga Singh and Shungri village headman A Mashnang Ahungba as the chief guest, guests of honour and president respectively.

Speaking at the function, Leishiyo urged the people of the hills to preserve and promote their own culture, customs and traditions while pointing out that many of the people have forgotten or ignored their culture, customs and traditions in the process of imitating other communities.

He noted that the life of hill people have been closely associated with forests since time immemorial in both the preservation and exploitation of forests and added that the essence of hill life will vanish if there are no forests.

Asserting that he was happy on seeing the villagers, particularly the elders braving the wintry winds and singing folk songs for the sake of preserving their customs and practices, the MLA asked all villagers to carry on the traditions and customs handed down by their forefathers.

He further stressed on the impediment of hills in development and opined that there is lack of accountability and responsibility among the people.

Teachers in Government schools, particularly in hill areas do not teach their students properly and most of the parents, especially the teachers of Government schools, send their children to private schools even though everyone like free education provided by Government.

Not only this, people who don't have any technical knowledge for construction of roads and infrastructures, have become contractors in the State resulting in frequent failure/ breakage of roads and constructions soon after they are constructed, he explained.

It is high time to change all these kind and execute one's own responsibilities with accountability to bring development in the State, Leishiyo opined and asked all to take responsibility in bringing development in their own native village/ locality instead of shifting to other places.

Besides performing the cultural and traditional events on the first and second day of the festival, games and sports were also held on the second day.