YPA hosts festival of cucumber
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

Churachandpur, August 10 2025: The 8th Tangmai Festival, literally known as the festival of cucumber, organised by Young Paite Association (YPA), Lamka, Churachandpur, was held on Saturday at YPA Hall, Hiangtam Lamka.

People, young and old, from various localities came to celebrate the Cucumber Festival, transforming it into a major community event.

Preparations began a week in advance, with volunteers collecting cucumbers from far and near along NH-102(A), locally known as Guite Road.

More than 7,000 cucumbers were sourced from farmers in Lungthul and Kaihlam villages.

The festival was marked by pomp and gaiety, with participants donning vibrant traditional attire that added to the splendour of the occasion.

The venue resonated with melodious performances by prominent artistes, alongside traditional dances presented by YPA Canan, the Paite Cultural Society, YPA Zenhang Lamka, and others, showcasing the grandeur of Paite culture.

Slices of cucumber, prepared in a variety of flavours and kept in large vessels, were distributed freely to the crowd, who enjoyed them to their hearts' content.

Leftovers were later sold to the public at nominal rates.

First celebrated in 2018, the Cucumber Festival could not be held in 2023 and 2024 due to ongoing conflict.

This year also saw the YPA Joint Headquarters in Delhi hosting the event for the first time.

In his keynote address, YPA General Headquarters president Lianmuanthang Valte suggested that other locally abundant produce, such as maize and sugarcane, could also be celebrated through dedicated festivals.

He explained that cucumber was chosen for its tenderness and high water content, which has long quenched the thirst of farmers working under the scorching sun.

However, the YPA leader also expressed concern over individuals spreading divisive comments online at the behest of vested interests, urging them to abandon such actions that threaten peaceful coexistence.

"They will have to pay the price if they continue," he cautioned.

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