Imphal, March 24: The Poumai community celebrated its rich culture and tradition with the hosting of Poumai Cultural Fair at Senapati district headquarters.

The three day Fair was inaugurated today by the Commissioner of Art and Culture P Bharat Singh amid huge presence of elderly as well as young and enthusiastic poumai people from about 77 villages with the inaugural session marked by presentation of energetic and rhythmic cultural dance and display of indigenous method of making household items and foodstuffs.

In all 40 stalls are being opened to showcase myriad of Poumai cultural and traditional activities.

"Today is the happiest day I have ever experienced here as I witnessed an array of beautiful traditional Paomai food stuff, handicraft items and musical instruments and the method of producing them besides a spectrum of Paomai cultural dance and songs", said P Bharat Singh in his address as the chief guest.

Sokho Paomai an elderly Paomai individual from Phaibung Khullen in Senapati district expressed that the festival would instill mind of the youngsters to preserve the rich culture and tradition of the Paomais, the largest tribe in the state with over 1.85 lakhs population.

Sokho, who displayed indigenous method of making Paomai cigar locally known as Khapu, said many elders are still smoking it in the remote villages and 'I too enjoy a lot'.

The items put on displayed in three day cultural extravaganza include the tribe's elegant household items like pottery and wooden utensils in addition to indigenous musical instruments like Shaba (flute) and Hakai (trumpet) and food items � Raokhao (bread) and a certain bean which they called Naga dal.

The traditional method of brewing local brew � Pukyu also drew a number of spectators.

The festive sprit was further supplemented by the enthralling and rhythmic dance and songs and display of the tribe's indigenous musical pieces performed by the Paomai cultural troupe.

Amid the celebratory atmosphere, the Paomai Masou Me (Paomai public organisation) submitted a memorandum to state's chief secretary Jarnail Singh urging him to initiate measures for allotting 30 minutes slot to Poumai programme in All India Radio, Imphal.

The memo endorsed by Markson, president of the association also prevailed upon the government to construct a Paomai cultural hall at Senapati district headquarters for the promotion of the overall art and culture of the tribe.

The district's DC Dr Prem Singh, while stating that he was deeply impressed by the graceful function assured of promoting the traditional values of the tribe from his side.

Bharat, who received the memorandum on behalf of the chief secretary also promised to fulfil the two demands.

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