Kut fest shines all over State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 01: The biggest harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo-Zomi communities, KUT was celebrated along with traditional fervour and gaiety all over the State today.

The main celebration was organised under the aegis of State Level KUT Committee at Ist Bn Manipur Rifles ground here.

Presentation of cultural dances and folk songs, special numbers by popular singers, speeches on the significance and essence of celebrating KUT were the main highlights of the morning session of the celebration inaugurated by Governor Dr SS Sidhu as chief guest along with releasing of balloons attached with a banner inscribed with 'KUT, 2007'.

Miss Mut Ranchan M (C), first runner up Anoushka Sharma (R) and second runner up T Sitlou

Rev Dr Hawlngam Haokip rendered the opening prayer of the session which was followed by sounding of KUT trumpet, observing one minute silence in memory of departed KUT leaders and introduction of KUTPa of the year.

In his address as KUT-Pa of the year, former Minister Holkholet Khongsai wished that the celebration may strengthen the bond of unity among the people and instil the spirit of tolerance and goodwill in all.

Explaining the significance of celebrating KUT festival, Holkholet said among the three KUT festivals being celebrated by Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi people, namely Chawang KUT, Chaphou KUT and Nim KUT since time immemorial, the biggest and the most important one is Chawang Kut, which was celebrated today as thanks giving to Almighty God for bumper harvest and his abundant blessing throughout the year.

Beginning his speech with KUT Chivai (traditional KUT greeting), Governor Dr SS Sidhu hoped that the festival would be celebrated in its true spirit and help in strengthening the age-old glorious tradition of peaceful co-existence among various ethnic groups of people living in Manipur.

KUT festival is now not only an important social and cultural heritage of Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi people but also of all the people in the State.

That is why the day has been officially declared as a gazette holiday by the State Government, he said, adding that KUT has indeed become a State festival, a festival of joy, peace and prosperity.

Besides, releasing a souvenir at the occasion, Dr Sidhu also donated a sum of Rs 50,000 to the organisers of the State Level KUT Committee.

Tribal Development Minister DD Thaisii, who attended the celebration as guest of honour, exhorted all to join hands and work together in the true spirit of celebrating KUT together.

Minister of PHE, IPR & Tourism TN Haokip presided over the morning session of the celebration.

In the evening session, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and YAS Minister N Biren graced the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

In his address, the Chief Minister called upon the people for praying to God together for ushering in peace and harmony in the State while celebrating KUT festival in the spirit of camaraderie.

In recognition of the significance of KUT, the State Government has declared holiday on KUT day so that everybody can participate in the celebration, he aid.

The Chief Minister also donated a sum of Rs 1 lakh to the State Level Kut Committee.

Ministers Phungzathang Tonsing and TN Haokip also donated a sum of Rs 50,000 each to the organising committee.

Apart from other entertainment programmes, the main attraction of the celebration in the evening session was the Miss Kut Contest, 2007.Our Jiribam correspondent adds: The district level KUT festival was celebrated at Kaimai, Tamenglong district today.

DC Tamenglong T Pamei; president of Kuki Inpi, Tamenglong Thongsei and SDO Tousem Ditanang Pamei were respectively chief guest, president and guest of honour of the celebration marked by traditional dances, songs, beauty contest among other entertainment programmes.