Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Aug 29:
The mention of chilli often evokes thoughts of fiery flavors and bold colors, but the name “Hathei” in Tangkhul stands for something unique and extraordinary. The Hathei chilli, native to Sirarakhong village, is renowned for its distinct taste, long slender shape, and stark-red hue. Located about 24 kilometers from Ukhrul town and 67 kilometers from the state capital, Imphal, Sirarakhong is the proud home of this prized chilli, which is celebrated annually during the Hathei Festival.
This year, the 13th edition of the Sirarakhong Hathei Festival is being observed over two days, from August 29 to 30, 2024, under the theme “Whoever offers Praise Glorifies Me” – Psalm 50:23. After a hiatus of four years, the festival has returned with renewed enthusiasm and is expected to draw large crowds from across the district and beyond. The event is not only a cultural celebration but also a major economic booster for the local farmers, generating significant revenue through the sale of Hathei chillies.
The inaugural session of the festival was graced by the presence of Eno. Khashim Vashum, Minister of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Transport, Government of Manipur, who attended as the chief guest. In his speech, Vashum emphasized the growing recognition of Sirarakhong’s Hathei chilli across the state. “Since its inception, I have personally promoted this unique chilli by presenting it to various dignitaries, including MLAs, Ministers, and VIPs. Today, the quality and value of the Hathei chilli have been acknowledged and recognized by all,” he stated. The Minister also urged the Tangkhul community to make concerted efforts to promote the chilli without compromising its purity through adulteration.
Sirarakhong village has been celebrating the Hathei Festival since 2009, with the primary aim of promoting this indigenous variety of chilli. The Hathei chilli, which can grow to over eight inches in length, is particularly valued for its rich flavor, vitamin C content, and calcium. Over the years, the chilli’s popularity has spread beyond Manipur, with the village’s 300 households relying on its cultivation as a key source of income. For the people of Sirarakhong, the Hathei chilli is more than just a crop; it is a symbol of their heritage and a testament to their hard work.
The festival also serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of organic farming. In her speech, the guest of honor, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Eli Kengoo Zuringla, encouraged the local farmers to embrace pure organic farming practices for this God-gifted chilli. She expressed her belief in the quality of the Hathei chilli, stating, “Cooking pork meat with Sirarakhong Hathei is undisputedly the best and cannot be compared to any other curry.” Her remarks underscored the uniqueness of the chilli and the potential it holds for elevating Manipur’s culinary identity.
The Sirarakhong Hathei Festival has also seen participation from various government officials, including Partha Mandal, General Manager of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD); Chungang Pamei, Mission Director of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH); Yeite Khupsurel Koirang, Joint Director of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur; and Poly Makang, Joint Director of Agriculture, Government of Manipur. Their presence highlights the festival’s significance not only as a cultural event but also as an important agricultural initiative for the region.
Ezra Zimik, Secretary of the Sirarakhong Hathei Promotion Committee, provided insight into the recent challenges faced by the community. He noted that the festival was put on hold in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in 2021, the Sirarakhong Hathei achieved a significant milestone by earning a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, affirming its originality and uniqueness. The GI tag is a crucial recognition that distinguishes the Sirarakhong Hathei from other varieties of chilli and protects its reputation in the marketplace. Despite this achievement, the festival remained on pause due to an error in the GI title, which was finally corrected in May 2024 from “Hathei-Chilli, Manipur” to “Sirarakhong Hathei.”
One of the highlights of the festival was a mesmerizing song dedicated to the Sirarakhong Hathei, composed and sung by the renowned singer Qr. K. Wungchan. The song added a soulful touch to the festivities and served as a reminder of the deep cultural ties that the Hathei chilli holds for the people of Sirarakhong.
The Sirarakhong Hathei Festival is not just about celebration; it is also a time for commerce. According to the village assembly’s revised pricing, one kilogram of fresh Sirarakhong Hathei will be sold for Rs 200 during the festival, while the dried variant will be priced at Rs 1,000 wholesale. Additionally, 100-gram packets of dried chilli powder will be available for Rs 130 wholesale. These sales provide a significant source of income for the local farmers and contribute to the village’s economic well-being.
The return of the Sirarakhong Hathei Festival after a four-year break has brought joy and pride to the people of Sirarakhong. The event is not only a celebration of their unique chilli but also a reflection of their resilience and determination to preserve and promote their heritage. As visitors from across Manipur and beyond gather in Sirarakhong to enjoy the festivities, the village stands as a shining example of how a small community can make a big impact by nurturing and celebrating its local treasures.
With the growing recognition of the Sirarakhong Hathei and the support of government initiatives, the future looks bright for this unique chilli and the people who cultivate it. The Hathei Festival is a reminder that even in a world that often favors mass production and uniformity, there is still a place for the unique, the local, and the exceptional.
