Aizawl, March 6: The organising body of the state?s most popular festival of Chapchar Kut, chaired by chief secretary Haukhum Hauzel, sounded enthusiastic addressing mediapersons here today.

Hauzel said all preparations for the two-day festival were nearly complete. The art and culture department urged the state to sanction Rs 5.62 lakh for the festival.

?The organising committee has arranged things in such a way that mass participation by the public would be possible as far as practicable. The first day, March 9, would host competitions in traditional games and music. On March 10, there will be a traditional top-spinning fight,? Hauzel said.

?Our emphasis is on happiness and gaiety. Married couples should avoid arguments during the festival. If possible, all families should prepare meals with meat on the main festival day,? Hauzel said.

Eight government departments and six NGOs are involved in the planning. Exhibitions will be organised by the industries department?s handloom and handicrafts wing and khadi and village industries. A photo exhibition and a flower show will be held. .

The art and culture department urged the state government to sanction Rs 5.62 lakh for the festival. From this, Rs 20,000 would go to each district celebrating the festival as token facilitation. The rest of the money would go as honorariums to those taking part in different programmes.