Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 07, 2010:
Traditional seed sowing festival of Luira Phanit has been celebrated with much gaiety and fanfare at Hungpung village (better known as Hungdung) in Ukhrul district for two days.
The festival was opened yesterday by Works Minister K Ranjit at the mini-stadium of Hungpung Haokok.
Speaking at the occasion, Ranjit said peace and development will remain elusive as long as different communities and ethnic groups harbour ill-will against each other.
Matha Kathuk (seed sowing demonstration dance), Laa Khanganui (virgin damsel dance), folk song and folk dance were the other highlight of the festival.
The inaugural function was also attended by TD Minister DD Thaisii and Advocate General Nongmeikappam Koteshwar.
After a flag symbolising the festival was hosted by K Ranjit who was the chief guest of the occasion, Hungpung village headmen AS Wungayung offered prayer to the almighty for an abundant and disease-free cropping in the coming season.
Ranjit said that it is time to bridge the gap between different communities created by difference in religion or faith and work collectively for a progressive Manipur.
Though it appears that there is a division between the hills and valley, the two can never be separated.
The historical process of the evolution of Manipuri society and the communities inhabiting the land can never be manipulated.
Stating that the people of Manipur should not forget their history, Ranjit exhorted peaceful and harmonious existence among all communities.
Talking about development initiatives, Ranjit said that the SPF Government has been working incessantly to bring equitable development in both the hills and valley.
He appealed to the people to informed the Government if there is any case of anomaly or mismanagement on the part of Government officials.
Responding to a memorandum submitted to the ministerial team by the village headman, the Works Minister assured that necessary amount would be earmarked from the budget allocation of the next fiscal for development of Hungpung inter-village road and Eastern Circular Road till the stage of black-topping.
N Koteshwar said that the indigenous people living together in Manipur since ages can never be separated.
He further appealed to bury all past hatchets and unfortunate incidents and stand united for the sake of future generations and for a peaceful, progressive Manipur.
Besides traditional dance and music presented by different cultural troupes, indigenous games were also demonstrated in the course of the festival.YS Yangmi Khapai moderated the festival on the concluding day today.
In addition to presentation of folk dance and folk music, a fashion show in traditional attires marked the closing function today.