Fiery Legacy Ignites: 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit Chilli Festival kicks off in Ukhrul

By – Addie Chiphang
Sirarakhong, September 16:
The 14th edition of the much-celebrated Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit (Chilli Festival) burst into life today at a jam-packed community hall in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district. Under the theme “Heritage of Blessings,” the festival once again turned the spotlight on the world-renowned GI-tagged Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli, a fiery yet sweet blessing of the Tangkhul hills.
Village Headman Qr. V. Wungkhayap Zimik, in his welcome address, proudly declared, “Sirarakhong Hathei has put our village on the global map.” The three-day event will run until September 18, showcasing not only the chilli’s agricultural importance but also its cultural and historical roots.
Though Governor of Manipur, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah, and Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum were unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances, the opening was graced by Thaitheilung Pamei, IAS Commissioner (Horticulture & Soil Conservation, GoM), who hoisted the festival flag and inaugurated the stalls. In his keynote address, Pamei hailed the chilli’s uniqueness, noting its vibrant red color, distinctive aroma, and rich capsaicin content that sets it apart from any other variety.
The crowd was enthralled by a stirring performance from Qr. Wungchan Kasom, National Awardee, who sang a solidarity song dedicated to Hathei, followed by youth groups enacting traditional dances that depicted the chilli’s farming and harvesting cycles.
The Legacy of Hathei
The Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli, measuring nearly nine inches long, is famed for its deep red hue and medium pungency with a subtle sweetness. Officially granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in September 2021, it has since become a potent economic driver for the village’s 400 households, each harvesting 100–300 kg every six months. Collectively, the community produces over 5,000 kg of dried chilli annually, most of which is marketed in Dimapur, Nagaland, due to the poor road connectivity to Imphal.
The chilli’s high ASTA colour value (151–165) surpasses the global benchmark of 120 for quality paprika, making it prized not just in kitchens but also in pharmaceuticals and confectionery as a natural colorant.
From Folklore to Global Recognition
Local folklore traces the chilli’s origins to a serendipitous discovery—an elder once found the plant in the jungle and cultivated it at home. Over time, the village embraced it as their own. The Tangkhul word “Haa” (bitterness) gave birth to its name, Hathei. The chilli has since become interwoven with the Tangkhul cultural identity, even immortalized in folk songs and linked to the tribe’s symbolic shawl, Khuilang.
More Than Spice
Beyond its culinary value, the chilli is celebrated as a “God’s gift” by the Tangkhuls. Its dried form enhances curries, powders, and seasonings, while its dehydrated green version is rich in Vitamin C. Farmers see it not merely as a crop but as the lifeblood of their economy and culture.
Yet, challenges persist. The difficult hilly terrain and poor road infrastructure continue to hamper bulk transportation. Farmers and community leaders alike hope that the GI recognition will translate into greater government support and improved market access, boosting the chilli’s reach beyond regional boundaries.
A Festival of Identity
The Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit is more than just a celebration of spice—it is a reaffirmation of community, resilience, and cultural heritage. With dignitaries, village leaders, and well-wishers from across Ukhrul and beyond in attendance, this year’s edition reinforces the Hathei’s role not only as a crop but as a symbol of pride and identity for the Tangkhul Nagas.
As the festival continues through the week with exhibitions, cultural showcases, and traditional feasts, Sirarakhong once again reminds the world why its chilli is not just fiery on the tongue but deeply rooted in history, folklore, and community spirit.