Mizo singer Mami Varte performs at the function. Picture by Eastern Projections

Dec. 8: Christmas may still be a little far away but the bells have already started ringing.

The Mizo community in the city today came together at the Guwahati District Library auditorium for a pre-Christmas celebration, Zofest 2006.

Organised for the first time here, the festivities were aimed at bringing the Mizo youths working in different fields in the city under a single platform to exchange their ideas and celebrate their unity and brotherhood.

Rochelle Darkim, a fashion designer and choreographer, who also played a role in organising the festival, said the fashion shows, hit numbers of Mizoram, Bollywood and Hollywood by popular singers, discussions and a cultural night made the Guwahati Zofest the most “entertaining and enlightening” pre-Christmas event.

She said most of those attended the function were Mizo youths and elders currently based in Guwahati. The city is home to over 50,000 people from Mizoram.

“Behind the fun and celebrations, the function tried to bring together various tribes of Mizoram to promote unity. Political and social re-unification of all tribes may not be possible. But a mental unity can be achieved through music and celebration. That was what the Zofest endeavoured,” Darkim said.

According to her, peace has brought many blessings to Mizoram and its people, particularly youths, are now doing extremely well in their chosen fields. She said the Zofest was also an occasion of Mizo youths to exchange ideas and discuss ways to bring about more and more development to their state.

John Thangliana, an executive, said the Zofest emerged a very entertaining and purposeful event. “Besides the celebrations I became nostalgic when I met my old friends at the function. I hope the Guwahati Zofest would become an annual event,” he said.

Though Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga could not attend the function because of official assignments, he sent his best wishes to the organisers of the Zofest and a message to the people.

Congratulating the organisers, Mizoram home minister Tawnluia, who attended the function, said the government would extend all help and co-operation to make Guwahati Zofest a more colourful festival from next year.

Mizoram art and culture minister Lalzama, who addressed the participants, said the event could be a good opportunity to highlight the rich culture and heritage of the Mizo community.