The Anal tribe is one of the oldest inhabitants of Manipur State.
This is supported by archeological findings at Chakpikarong and the studies of scholars and ethnographers of our time. Consequently, many of the Anal festivals are very old, in fact, older than many festivals of the State.
The Anal had many fests but a few of them continues, amongst them 'Chavan Kumhrin' festival is the only fest which has attained popularity and become tribe's mere great fest in a modern era.
The Anals' Chavan Kumhrin festival is celebrated on 23rd October of each year. In recent years, it has assumed not merely a great festival but also a day to reminisce the tribe's unity and integrity.
The term 'Kumhrin' of Anals means 'New Year' and the term 'Chavan' is prefixed to many words like Chavan Du (Chavan water), Chavan atho (Chavan Air), Chavan chankul (Chavan Maize), of the period between September and December.
This seems to correspond to the season of the North East monsoon. Thus, the term 'Chavan Kumhrin' seems to mean a New Year of 'Chavan'.
It is believed that the term Chavan Kumhrin was christened to this festival by Lh. Thumthung of Chandel Christian village in the year 1973.
A cultural dance being staged at Chandel to celebrate Chavan Kumhrin which is a post harvest festival
The Anals traced the root of this festival to pristine era. In olden days different names were used for this festival. For example- Chavan Pathakol.
The Anal folks, in the past, bringforth part of what they have newly harvested to the village tryst where the village elders and leaders blessed and ate. This was practiced every year so that they have a good harvest for good health and prosperity.
With the advent of Christianity in Anal country in early 20th century and when 99.9% of Anals received Christ by the end of 20th century, the Anals began to celebrate 'Chavan Kumhrin' with prayers and offerings: they bring part of the produced of the season to church or tryst of the Anals where the pastor or the pastors led the congregation with a word of God and prayers to have a good harvest, for prosperity and good health.
The first celebration of this festival in modern times, according to the record of Anal Naga Taangpi (ANTA), occurred in 1973 at Chandel Headquarters. It was celebrated by the Anals of the Maha area of Chandel District. Hereafter, it was regularly celebrated at local or village level.
According to the 'Anal Customary Law', on October 1978, the leaders and elders of the Anal tribe had a confabulation at the Chandel Christian village, therein they decided and adopted 'Chavan Kumhrin' and 'Hrongtho' as the Anals' major festivals.
In 1990's the leaders and elders of Anal tribe requested the State Government of Manipur to recognise this festival. Consequently, the Government conceded to their request.
Thenceforth, Chavan Kumhrin is the only festival of Anal tribe (or the festival of the Naga tribes of Chandel District) recognized by the State Government.
It is celebrated on 23rd October every year. Since 2005, ANTA, an apex body of Anal tribe, organize this festival for the folks of the tribe in Chandel District.
The Anals in other parts of the world, if they are in a good number, also celebrates with great enthusiasm.
Related Article on People of Manipur
SR Tohring wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on October 26th, 2006
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