Loree Kaju potters showcase amazing pottery skills
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, January 29 2024:
Loree Kaju village celebrated the Cultural Day of their annual seed sowing festival, Luita Phanit cum 4th Hampai Phanit (Luta cum 4th Ham-lei Panat) with vibrant colours and cultural performances on Monday.
Among the highlights of the day were the famous Hampai pot-making demonstration contest, Pheichak, Hao Laa and tug-of-war.
Loree Kaju, located about 35km north of Ukhrul town, is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts, especially pottery.
The village also boasts of its own renowned potter, 73-year-old Machihan Sasa, who was recently honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award during the 75th Republic Day celebration.
This news has filled the village with great pride and excitement.
Significantly, the village organised a special felicitation ceremony in honour of Sasa's achievement on the opening day of their annual festival on January 28.The local villagers take pride in many of their skilled potters like Machihan Sasa, who have been practicing the art for generations.
The cultural day provided a perfect platform for these talented individuals to showcase their skills.
The event saw a total of five local potters participating in the pot making demonstration contest.
Each contestant was given a flattened piece of clay and a stand, and was tasked with moulding it into a pot in front of the public.
The contestants were given ample time, but they managed to transform the shapeless clay into beautiful pots in a matter of 10 to 15 minutes.
The contestants displayed their skill and dexterity as they carefully spun the clay on the stand, using their hands and basic tools to mould it into a finished pot.
The audience was enthralled by the fluidity of their m ovements and the precision with which they created the pots.
Despite the relaxed atmosphere, there was an undeniable air of competitiveness among the contestants.
Each one of them wanted to prove their mettle and emerge as the winner.
The judges, consisting of five elders from the village, had a tough time deciding the winner as each pot had its unique charm and beauty.
The first place went to a talented young potter Phaningmi Sasa, who effortlessly created an intricately designed pot that left everyone in awe.
The second and third places went to two other deserving potters Thotreiyo Sharon and Steel Sareng who had also demonstrated their skills with finesse.
The Luita Phanit cum 4th Hampai Phanit was a perfect amalgamation of tradition, culture, and celebration.
The day also featured traditional songs, dances, and games, giving the visitors a glimpse into the vibrant and colourful cultural heritage of the village.
In the folk song and folk dance competitions, dance troupe from Christian Compound Tang was adjudged as the winners.
Kaju Tang and Kaju Tang (Junior) troupes were declared the second and third position holder respectively.
In the tug of war, team Zinglam Tang emerged as the winner, while Christian Compound Tang and Somdar Tang teams were declared the second and third position holders respectively.
Later in the evening, the Loree Night 2024 featured musical performances by Tangkhul artistes like PC Makang, Ngathingpam Tangva, Ning-shang Ngakang, SP Shonshon, Achui Soro, Ngalayo Makan and Sochihan Luiram.