Chatric village celebrates Sivathei (Chilli) festival
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, November 22 2018: The people of Chatric village organised one day chilli festival for the first time at Chatric village ground, Kamjong district.

Sivathei Chilly globally known as King Chilly (Umorok) is well known for its degree of hotness.

Headman of Chatric village AS Maiyo expressed that Sivathei festival will be hosted annually at the village.

Later, the headman performed traditional ritual and distributed Sivathei for next year cultivation during the inaugural programme.

Social worker Paisho Keishing graced the opening of the 1 st Sivathei festival on behalf of local MLA Leishiyo Keishing at Chatric Khullen village.

Chatric village celebrates Sivathei (Chilli) festival

Aphang Jamang, member of Sivathei Research Committee narrated on how their fore-father first discovered the red hot chilli (Sivathei) and added that Sivathei was first found at a hillock called Khungthematia about ten kilometres away from the village.

Later, a visiting French officer named it "King Chilli" in around 1912-1914, he added.

Villagers from neighbouring areas also participated in the one day Sivathei festival where about 40 stalls were erected to showcase varieties of organic products while cultural shows were presented during the day.

Over 1 lakh worth of Sivathei were marketed during the festival.

According to villagers, 30-100 tins of Sivathei were harvested annually and is a sustainable source of livelihood for Chatric villagers.

Dry Sivathei was sold for Rs 1,500 per tin while fresh Sivathei cost Rs 400 per tin during the festival at the Chatric village.

Later Ukhrul ADC member, Yangmi Shimray, who attended as chief guest, lower the festival flag and called for collective effort to promote the exhibition of Sivathei at different level to gain popularity across the country.

As a part of the festival, Yangmi distributed 10 blankets to the elderly persons of the Chatric village as Christmas gift.

Chatric village is located at about 130 kms away from Ukhrul town and is located between 116-120 international border pillars.