Thadou cultural festival kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 06 2016: Manipur Assembly Speaker Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh inaugurated the Thadou Cultural Festival at Ngahmun village, Sadar Hills today.

Thadous in thousands across the country and abroad congregated to celebrate the first ever Thadou Cultural Festival (Hun) which has been organised under the theme 'My Culture, My Identity" .

Speaker Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh who attended the inaugural programme on behalf of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, unveiled the monolith of the festival after inaugurating the community hall of Ngahmun.

The Speaker also visited the traditional Thadou In (house) where various Thadou traditional and cultural items were displayed.

The Speaker declared the commencement of the festival after beating the Thadou traditional gong in the presence of IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, MLA Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Yamthong Haokip, ADC Sadar Hills Chairman Haokholal Hangshing, Vice Chairman Thangjakam Misao and other dignitaries.

Thadou cultural festival kicks off

Speaking at the occasion, the Speaker said that Manipur is endowed with diverse cultures and every individual must contribute his or her part to protect and preserve his or her culture and identity.

He also lauded the organizing committee of the festival and said that such event would inspire the young generation to safeguard their culture and identity.

"I do not think it is wrong to say that no other community will suppress us when people of Manipur irrespective of community coexist with a sense of togetherness and respect for each other's culture and identity", asserted the Speaker.

MLA Nemcha Kipgen said that the festival is an umbrella housing thousands of people irrespective of community which in turn would strengthen the bond of togetherness, love and peace.

Mangboi Kipgen, organizing secretary of the festival pointed out that the festival is being organized to unite the Thadou community.

However, people of all communities are also encouraged to take part so as to build cordial relationships.

He said, "Our objective of organizing the festival is to begin making our own platform so as to accommodate other tribes within the fold of Kuki so that our nomenclature Kuki could be more meaningful." Dr Ngamkhohao Haokip in his speech said that the 'Hun' (Thadou Cultural Festival) is significant for two reasons.

Firstly, it has been never celebrated before in such a magnificent manner and secondly, such an important festival is celebrated at the right time and at the right place.

He also urged the State Government to provide Thadous a bigger platform to develop and grow in order to serve the State and the country in a more befitting manner.

He also urged the recognition of 'Hun' (Thadou Cultural Festival) as one of the important State festivals and declare April 7 as Thadou 'Hun' festival day.

He further urged to extend the duration of Thadou programme in the All India Radio, Imphal Station and Doordarshan, Imphal Kendra to two hours and to accord Thadou dialect the status of second official language of the State again as it used to be.

Dr Ngamkhohao Haokip also recommended the State Government to open Thadou Language Development Cell under an appropriate department of the State Government and open a post graduate course in Thadou language in Manipur University and IGNTU and '1917-1919 War Day' be officially observed in the State.

Various programmes including presentation of songs and dances, seminars and other social activities are the highlights of the three-day festival.