Heralding the arrival of Chavang Kut, which is a much waited leading festival of Kuki community, Gangpijang’s ‘Chavang Anthah Lhun Kut’ also known as the ‘Mother of Modern Kut’ culminated in style after three days of joyous celebration at Gangpijang village in Kangpokpi district.
The three-day Diamond Jubilee celebration of Gangpijang’s Chavang Anthah Lhun Kut began on Saturday and culminated on Monday while Sunday was observed as ‘Kut Niloupi Nikho’ - the main celebration day.
Hoaginlen Chongloi, one of the organising committee members, who is also the author of ‘History, Identity and Polity of the Kukis’ pointed out that the Gangpijang Chavang Anthah Lhun Kut was first celebrated way back in 1961. It is considered the ‘Mother of Modern Kut’ and this year’s celebration marked its 60 years celebration as per the author.
On the main celebration day, Gangpijang village chief Paolam Haokip unveiled the Diamond Jubilee celebration monolith while it was dedicated by pastor KBC No19 reverend Ngamkhopao Lhungdim.
A souvenir published to mark the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the festival was released by Mangpu Khongsai and it was dedicated by director Bethesda Khankho Institute, Churachandpur reverend Dr Jangkholam Haokip.
Before the three-day celebration was held, the organising committee also organised ‘Chavang Golseh (Sports)’ since September 27 with five ‘Lompi’ (groups) where the five ‘Lompi’ had competitions on various ‘Puchon Pachon’ (traditional activities) and traditional sports while educating the younger generation of the Kuki’s tradition and culture.
The festival was celebrated only for merrymaking but served as a platform to exhibit and educate the younger generation about the values and essence of their traditions and cultures.
Haoginlen Chongloi further said that among all Kut celebrated in Manipur, Gangpijang Chavang Anthah Lhun Kut is considered the oldest Kut celebration and it is also believed that all the modern Kut celebrated nowadays have come to existence through Gangpijang Chavang Anthah Lhun Kut. He added that it was clearly described in the Souvenir as to how all the modern days Kut have come to existence through the Gangpijang Chavang Anthah Lhun kut.
Chavang Kut - a post-harvest festival of the Kukis and one of the biggest and prominent festivals in Manipur is celebrated on November 1 every year.
