Let's sow seeds of love, unity: VVD director
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, January 29 2024: "The annual seed sowing festival of Luira Phanit is not just a traditional festival, but also a celebration of love and unity," stated VVD Ukhrul programme director Jubilate Kazingmei, while attending the Cultural Day of the Luira Phanit cum 4th Hampai Phanit (Luta cum 4th Hamlei Panat) at the public ground in Loree Kaju, under Chingai sub-division of Ukhrul district on Monday.

Highlighting the significance of Luira Phanit, Kazingmei said that it should not only serve as a reminder of the time to sow crop seeds, but also as a reminder to sow the seeds of love and unity among the people.

"As we celebrate this festival, it is important that we also explore ways and focus on living in peaceful coexistence with one another," he said.

Luira Phanit is a time when the people of Ukhrul district come together to celebrate the arrival of spring and the beginning of the sowing season.

It is a time of great joy and is considered to be an auspicious time for many farmers.

However, according to Kazingmei, in recent years, the true essence of the festival has been overshadowed by lavish feasts, and extravagant celebrations.

Kazingmei encouraged the people to not get carried away by materialistic desires, but use this festival as an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of love and unity within the community.

He urged everyone to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Luira Phanit and to remember that it is not just about crop seeds, but also about cultivating relationships and spreading love and harmony.

"At a time where the society is facing various conflicts and divisions, it is essential for us to come together and celebrate the spirit of unity and togetherness.

Luira Phanit presents us with a platform to do just that, " he said, urging the people to forget their differences and celebrate their shared culture and traditions in the spirit of love, peace, and unity.

He also emphasized the village's age-old reputation for hospitality where the village has welcomed every visitor with open arms and treated them with utmost care, especially during Luira Phanit.

"We all know that Loree Kaju is famous for its dishes of pork Hoksa and indigenous rice beer Khor.

And many visitors and tourists have enjoyed its hospitality and rich food culture," he said.

"Apart from its delectable cuisine, Loree Kaju is also well known for its Longbi Hampai or clay pot, " Kazingmei said, and called for preserving this cultural inheritance of the forefathers so as to pass it on to future generations.

In his welcome address, Dr Solei Luiram highlighted the significance of Luira Phanit and Hampai Phanit in preserving the rich cultural heritage and pottery art form of the village.

Social activist Emimins Angela Philathing attended the event as special guest and encouraged the local villagers to celebrate the festival in unity, leaving behind any issues and also to uphold the cultural values that are at the heart of Luira Phanit.

Local singer Ngathingpam Tangva made a special appearance and performed popular numbers 'Oh Loree' and Leikashi Khara' (bond of love) to enthral the crowd.

Comment