Aizawl: Mizoram home minister R. Lalzirliana on Friday called upon indigenous Mizos to revive and stick to the cherished Mizo moral code of conduct.

He was addressing the grand celebrations of Chapchar Kut, the biggest and most popular cultural festival of the Mizos at Lammual (Assam Rifles ground) here, as the Kut Pa or "father" of the festival.

Calling upon the Zo communities to go back to their roots, Lalzirliana said, "The true spirit of the Kut lies not in the celebrations but in the very roots where we came from.

"With strong cultural invasion taking place, globalisation and the growth of economy have adulterated and diluted our cultures and traditions. It is high time we hold on to our roots and protect our rich culture and traditions," he said.

The Kut Pa also said the festival's theme, Sem sem dam dam, ei bil thi thi (one who hoards for oneself will die and those who share with others will survive), should not only be highlighted during the festival but also in our daily lives.

He said Chapchar Kut spreads the message of love and unity among people.

Lalzirliana also appealed to all the Mizos to unite and live by the moral code of the great Mizo forefathers. "It was the love, solidarity, brotherhood among us and the custom of helping others with a voluntary conviction that make us proud," he said.

The two-day Chapchar Kut celebrations, which began on Thursday, successfully concluded on Friday amid fervour and gaiety. The celebrations were held across the state.

Dressed in traditional attire, thousands of people from all walks of life thronged the venues of the festival. A large crowd was seen here, where the main event was held.

The most eye-catching performances at the festival was cheraw (bamboo) dance performed by over 90 YMA branches from across the city and costume parade recalling the history and tradition of the Mizos, performed by YMA Chanmari. Thousands of people danced to the tunes of traditional songs performed by celebrated Mizo artistes.

Many tourists from the country and abroad took part in the celebrations.

Florian, a tourist from Germany, said he loved the festival and the crowd. "It is my first time here and I am fortunate to witness the grand festival. I like the cultural dance, especially the bamboo dance performed by over 100 ensembles," he said.

Khurshid Kohli from New Delhi said he was happy to witness the biggest Mizo festival. "Chapchar Kut is a colourful festival and it shared the spirit of Holi," he said.