Imphal, November 01 2009: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that Kut festival is not just an ordinary cultural festival.

It is a festival which offers a platform to bring peace and harmony amongst the different communities of the state.

He was speaking as the chief guest of the morning cultural programme of the State Level Kut, 2009 celebration, the biggest post-harvest festival of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities, organised by the State Level Kut Committee, at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade ground today.

Chief Minister O Ibobi further noted that the Kut celebration was done at village level on different dates depending on their convenience since time immemorial.

Viewing the importance of the festival, it has been promoted at the State level.

The festival is now recognised by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

The significance of Kut had diminished in the late nineteenth century.

But it has been revived since the late 20th century.

Since its revival, the festival has been celebrated on November 1 every year, the Chief Minister observed.

He said the festival has assumed importance to all communities now.

O Ibobi further said that Kut demonstrates unity in diversity and signifies the principle of living in peace and harmony.

The Kut celebration was graced by Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and outer Manipur MP, Thangso Baite as the guest of honour and president respectively.

Shingkhuplin Serto, eminent social worker and chief of Sagang village, Churachandpur was the Kut-Pa (host) of the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, MP Thangso Baite observed that Kut is a day of compromise celebrated once in a year with pomp and gaiety.

Presentation to two prominent personalities among the Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities was another highlight of the celebration.

M Aloysius Zangkhosei Gangte (62) of Tuibuong, Churachandpur and Damkung Hmar (81), of Hmar Veng Churachandpur, social workers were honoured as the Kut personalities of the year.

Observance of one-minute silence in memory of the departed leaders also marked the occasion.

A souvenir was also released by the Chief Minister.

Cultural dances from Kom, Chin, Paite, Simte, Zou, Aimol, Hmar, Chothe, Thangkhal, Mizo, Tarao, Maring, Chiru, Vaiphei and Gangte cultural troupes were showcased.

Braving the sun, thousands of Kutters have turned up to join in the celebration.

Various artistes including Lenchung Haokip (reigning Kuki Idol), Kamminsoi Neihsial, Lalsanglien and party, Ms Liani, Joy Khongsai, Ms Kelly, Kimrose, Benny Khongsai et al have belted out their hit songs to keep the celebration spirit alive.

The celebration stretched till late tonight.

The main highlight of the night programme was the coveted Miss Kut contest.

The festival was also celebrated at different places elsewhere where the Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities felt their presence.The district level Kut was celebrated at Palel in Chandel district.

The sub-divisional level Kut was also celebrated in Henglep subdivision of Churachandpur district.

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