Churachandpur, May 23 2009: In an attempt to foster the development and preservation of the age old tie that binds the different communities of Manipur, the first ever Kuki-Chin group Folk Dance Festival was held today at Tuibuong community hall amidst pomp and show.

The event was jointly organised by Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur, and Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata in collaboration with Kuki Ethnic Cultural Association, Manipur.

Commissioner of Art and Culture, P.Bharat, IAS; Paominlen Mate, chief of Tuibuong and VK Tonsing, chief of Pearson; SP of Churachandpur, A Bimolchandra Sharma, Demmang Haokip, Chief of Demmang Veng, Director of Art and Culture, Kh Sarojini and AMCO president Rev.Prim Vaiphei graced the festival as the Chief Guest; functional Presidents; and Guests of Honour respectively.

Addressing the festival, P Bharat said though the different communities of the people profess diverse religions, one's own culture must be cleansed and revered.

He said the Chin-Kuki group should make effort to preserve the culture and traditional musical instruments.

P Bharat also urged for organising such cultural festival continuously to have mutual understanding amongst the people of Manipur while adding that it is the cultures of Manipur that beautify the land and its peoples.

Speaking on the occasion, Kh Sarojini, the Director of Art and Culture underlines that the main objective of the festival is to preserve and maintain a record of the cultures of the diverse communities of the state which are being put in peril against exotic cultures.

Demmang Haokip said that organising such cultural festival will promote the age old relationships which our forefather bestow upon us and urged to love one another by respecting one's culture and tradition irrespective of castes and religions.

The chief of Tuibuong, Paominlen Mate urges for unity, love and mutual respect of cultures and traditions of all communities of the state in order to coexist in peace.

Young Vaiphei Cultural Troupe, Thadou Cultural Troupe, Zou Cultural Troupe, Simte Cultural Troupe, Hmar Cultural Troupe and Kom Cultural Troupe, showcased their beautiful and meaningful cultural items during the festival.

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