Ukhrul comes alive to Luira Phanit fest
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, February 17 2020: Luira Phanit, a Hunphun village traditional seed sowing festival is underway with a variety of indigenous games and cultural dances staged by the locals at Mission Ground Alungtang, Ukhrul.

Hundreds of people in traditional fineries converged at Mission Ground to showcase the rich culture of the Tangkhul community today.

The festival kicked off on February 15 and will down its curtain on Wednesday with Miss Luira Beauty Pageant and Hunphun's got Talent-3 as the highlight of the grand finale.

The five day celebration began with invoking rituals by the Headman of Hunphun/Ukhrul village HA Sarimaya on the first day.

Ukhrul comes alive to Luira Phanit fest

Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul Joseph Pauline Kamson who attended as the chief guest on Day 3 said that it is an important festival for the tribals to invoke the blessings of God for a bountiful harvest and also signifies the dawn of a new year making it an annual event.

Joseph Pauline Kamson said celebration of such a festival is an acknowledgment that existence and identity are all related to the lifestyle of the community.

The festival brings unity and fosters a sense brotherhood and enhances communal harmony.

Apart from celebration, Luira Phanit is another way of being cleaned spiritually, mentally & physically making it a significant festival, added the DC.

The younger generation need to be educated about traditional values and Luira Phanit is one such occasion, said the DC.

The quarters at Mission ground, testify that the Tangkhuls were among the first tribal groups to embrace Christianity in Manipur, he added.

Mangang Raman chairman of Western Tangkhul Villages stressed on the need to revive traditional culture.

He added that most social organisation leaders have failed to address or listen to the voice of people, leading to immense misunderstanding and creating social barriers amongst the people.

This has weakened society and it is therefore important to restore the feeling of oneness.

Tangkhuls have a beautiful custom, respect for elders, are well known for their hospitality and work culture and these traits should be upheld, he added.

This year's festival is being organized by Hunphun Tangkhul Frontal Organisations and sponsored by Hunphun Hanga Wungnao.