Kut celebrated under shadow of terror
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, November 01 2013 : Kut, the biggest post-harvest festival of Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities was celebrated throughout Manipur today with people coming out in large number to attend the celebration marked by various colourful cultural and entertainment programmes.

Under the shadow of a series of bomb blasts, the main celebration under the banner of Chavang Kut, 2013 was organised by the State Level Kut Committee, Manipur at the parade ground of Ist Manipur Rifles Ground here presenting rich traditional dances and songs.

However, the infectious spirit of Kut could not dampen the people who came out in large number to attend the celebration from different parts of the State and beyond.

The State administration had also put in place elaborate security measures to ensure peaceful celebration of the festival.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the inaugural function of the celebration, Governor of Manipur and Nagaland Dr Ashwani Kumar said culture, dances and music are unifying forces.

So, it is the duty of all of us to encourage them for bringing better understanding among all sections of the society.

Kut celebrated under shadow of terror

The Governor then said State Level Kut Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Manipur.

The Chin-Kuki-Mizo people along with other tribes celebrate this festival at various levels and in various parts of the state and the country, said the Governor, adding, "This has been recognised as a tourist festival by the government of India" .

Dr Ashwani went on to note that these days we see and hear about many incidents of violence, threats and extortion taking place.

"I am told the situation has improved considerably in comparison to past many years.

The tension between the various communities has also been reduced.

But many people are afraid that same hatred may returns again, if firm action is not taken to prohibit violence, weapons and bombs.

All the people of Manipur have to be vigilant and have to join hands to ensure peace and harmony continues to prevail", he said, adding, Kut, which symbolises gratefulness, compassion and gaiety, is the most befitting festival through which we can ensure peace.

Governor of Mizoram Vakkom Purushothaman and his lady wife, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Lok Sabha MP Thangso Baite, Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Parliamentary Secretary Vungzagin Valte, etc were also among other dignitaries who attended the inaugural function of the and others attended the Kut festival. The afternoon session of the celebration was attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as Chief Guest.

Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Lokeshore, IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, PHE Minister I Hemochandra, RD & PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa and Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar were also among others who were present on the occasion.

Apart from the State level celebration at Imphal, 'Kut' was also celebrated with great fanfare at interior hill districts and villages where Kukis settled.

Kut is celebrated on November 1 every year.

It is one of the most anticipated calendar day for the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group of Manipur and elsewhere.

Young and old, kings and paupers, strong and weak are united in the spirit of ancestral unity.

Traditionally, locally brewed beers were exchanged within a village marking an end to agricultural drudgery consequent to plentiful harvest.

The day officially heralds the beginning of leisure and game.

But cut to modern days, the festival has been laced with festoons and fanfare with the showcasing of tradition within the modern context.

The festival is in this sense, a link between the gaping hole of tradition and modernity.

For the people of Chin-Kuki-Mizo, it is a time to retrospect about the past and look forward to the future with optimistic zeal.

Diaspora of Kuki-Chin-Mizo takes time out to reunite with their roots despite the mad search for global identity.

For those unable to make a connection to their forefathers' blood-drench soil of Manipur, they still make an effort by organising Kut wherever they may be roaming.