Cutural shows mark Phungcham Haofa Festival
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul, December 06 2024: Vibrant and colourful cultural events along with traditional games marked the 3rd edition of Phungcham Haofa Festival as many visitors thronged the Phungcham village ground in Ukhrul district to purchase Tangkhul indigenous canines (Haofa).

The 3rd edition Haofa Festival was organised by Phungcham Haofa Lovers Association (PHLA) in collaboration with Phungcham Village Authority, Phungcham Village Development Council, Phungcham Shanao Long and Phungcham Katamnao Mayar Ngala Long.

Over 35 Haofa puppies were sold at the rate of Rs 7000 per pup during the festival.

Phungcham village headman Tuireising Horam kicked off the festival in the presence of Khashim Vashum, Minister of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Transport; Kengoo Zuringla, DC Ukhrul; Hannah Kamei, Addl Secretary Veterinary & AH; Dr Lois FC Joint Director, Veterinary Department Ukhrul & Kamjong, SDOs, headmen, chairmen and the villagers among others.

Speaking as the chief guest, Minister Khashim Vashum lauded the village for endeavouring to preserve the Haofa with dedication by organising the festival to promote and increase the population of the Haofa breed.

He assured Phungcham villagers that he is taking keen interest and putting his best effort to get recognition of Haofa as an indigenous Tangkhul canine breed.

The Central Agriculture University and Department of Veterinary are working jointly in pursuing the Certification for Recognition of the Indigenous Breed of Manipur for the Haofa.

Urging villagers not to domesticate the dogs for consumption, he went on to dwell on the importance of livestock insurance to reduce the economic burden of the villagers.

According to him, only 20% share is paid by the livestock owner while the remaining 80 % is borne by the State.

Meanwhile, Ukhrul DC Kengoo Zuringla urged Haofa owners to train the dog and make them a part of the festival by displaying their skills in the next celebration.

Hannah Kamei lauded the Phungcham villagers for preserving the Haofa which is a valuable asset to the community.

In his keynote address, Tennosan Pheiray, president of Phungcham Haofa Lovers Association (PHLA) stated that a group of philanthropist youth of Phungcham village with strong commitment to preserve and increase Haofa population started the festival in 2022 .

Celebrating the festival in the name of Haofa is to remind everyone the importance of the indigenous canine in order to ensure Haofa are preserved as they have an important cultural significance to the Tangkhul society and identity, he added.

Later, Minister Khashim Vashum distributed the award for "Best Haofa Dog" to Shangthei Yangya and "Best Haofa Bitch" (mother dog) to Luckyson Yangya.

He also inspected the Haofa stalls.

The 3rd Haofa Festival witnessed a myriad of cultural displays, traditional rice pounding, stone games and musical shows from Tangkhul artistes.

Comment