IT News
Imphal, Nov 1
Citizens of Manipur being a responsible people should ensure that differences are settled through talks and negotiations & not resort to violence, including bandhs and blockades as it severely impacts the poorer section of the society. This was stated by Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla today at the noon session of the State Level Kut Celebration, 2019 held at 1st MR Ground, Imphal.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Governor said “Kut Festival” is a festival of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest and one of the most important festivals not only for the Kuki Mizo Chin groups but of the entire State. Kut Festival is celebrated in Manipur every year on the 1st of November. Manipur is always bustling with the cycle of numerous festivals. The festivals of Manipur project their cultural, social and religious aspirations. These festivals are perfect for removing the monotony of life and help the people lead a fuller and better life.
She stated that the Kut Festival is one of the greatest festivals in Manipur and an autumn festival of the different tribes of Kuki Chin Mizo groups of people in Manipur. The festival has been variously described at different places amongst different tribes as Chavang Kut or Khodou. The Kut Festival is a thanksgiving festival which includes songs and dances along with merry making. The festival is observed every year in the honor of the giver of an abundant harvest.
She further said that the Kuki Mizo Chin groups have their own unique and distinct cultural heritage and this is reflected in their various festivals. Kut is one such festival held during autumn and this festival provides an opportunity to introspect on our past and plan for the future. This festival which includes songs and dances is now participated in not only by the Kuki Mizo Chin groups but by other communities also thereby strengthening the bonds of friendship and is a harbinger of peace, harmony and progress.
She is hopeful that the celebration of “Kut” this year will not only help in promoting collective identity of our Kuki Mizo Chin brethren but will spread the message of peace, love, communal harmony, friendship and brotherhood amongst the different communities in the north east and especially in Manipur. Manipur as everyone knows is full of problems and rifts are being created between communities challenging the age-old tradition of peaceful co existence. These gulfs rather than being narrowed are being widened. In such an environment, the growth curve is stymied, even though the State has huge potential. With increase in population, pressure on land is bound to increase thereby creating new conflicts. We have seen this in the past not only in Manipur but elsewhere also and this will rear its ugly head in the future also.
In her speech, Governor also urged to cast aside our self centered egos and policies of the various ethnic groups and work for the overall welfare of the State. Emotional integration cannot be achieved in a single day but a start needs to be made so that we can build on it.
As soon the Governor arrived at the venue, pounding of Traditional Gong was followed by Release of Kut Souvenir, 2019 by the Chief Guest. ‘Kut Pa 2018’ Haukhothang Baite, Ex-MDC, Ex-President, BNC was honoured with a presentation of memento and a shawl by State Level Kut Committee Chairman, Vungzagin Valte MLA & Chairman (MTDC) and Secretary, Paotinmang Doungel, IPS, ADGP.
Cultural dance were performed by various Cultural troupe like Aimol, Chiru, Paite, MU Eimi Welfare Society, Kom, Maring, Simte, Tedim-Chin and Thangkhal.
