Imphal, Nov. 1: Manipur celebrated the colourful Kut festival today and a grand state-level carnival was held at 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground here in the presence of state leaders.
The festival, described as Chavang-Kut or Khodou by various tribes belonging to the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group of people, is an occasion for villagers to thank and praise God for abundant food stock after a year of hard labour.
The autumn festival was marked by traditional dance competitions, music and other cultural performances of various indigenous communities. Elders do not encourage drifting from original cultural dances and songs, saying it will degrade the true picture of culture.
Irrigation and flood control minister Ngamthang Haokip said: “Kut festival is celebrated to preserve the cultural heritage of the Kuki-Chin-Mizos. I appeal to all to follow the original culture. If the culture keeps modifying with modern music, the originality will be destroyed.”
The Maring cultural troupe won the dance competition followed by Mizo cultural troupe and Gangte cultural troupe. They won a prize money of Rs 55,000, Rs 45,000 and Rs 35,000 respectively.
A Miss Kut contest was also held with 22 beautiful girls vying for the title. Its first round was held in the introductory cultural programmes at the huge, packed ground. The remaining rounds of the contest, including the finals, continued in the evening session, which was attended by chief minister O. Ibobi Singh as the chief guest.
A cash reward of Rs 1 lakh was given to Miss Kut, Rs 75,000 to the first runner-up and Rs 50,000 to the second runner-up.
The minister for physical health engineering department, Hemochandra, said: “This is not a celebration of just the Kuki-Chin-Mizo community, but has become a grand festival where Meiteis at large enjoy the festival. It captures the spirit of oneness like a bouquet of flowers spreading the message of peace and unity.”
Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam, who was the chief guest of the morning session, also gave the message of unity, integrity and prosperity.
