Ukhrul, February 18, 2010: The Hunphun Luira Festival, 2010, the celebration began on February 15, is in full-swing with old and young alike participating in gusto.

The celebration function held at KK Leishiphanit Kasomtang, Ukhrul yesterday, Chief Security Commissioner (CSC), Railway Police Force, North Eastern Frontier SZ Samual graced as chief guest and senior news editor and translator of AIR Edmund Chiphang as president.

Speaking at the occasion, Samuel observed that Luira/Luingaini, the seed sowing festival of the Tangkhul Nagas, is one of the most important festivals in which everyone, irrespective of their family background and economic status, can come together and celebrate.

Explaining on traditional customs of the festival, he recalled that in olden days, participation of teenaged girls, specially in the event of 'Lakhanganui' (virgin dance) was so important that anyone who was found refraining from participation were imposed fine by the village authority.

He also called upon the gathering to let the world know about Luira festival through media and promotion of tourism activities.

In his presidential address, Edmund Chiphang pointed out that even though everyone knows the significance of Luira festival, the celebration still needs to broaden its horizon like the Hornbill festival of Nagaland to attract tourists from all over the world.

Among other items, Lakhanganui, Thingreira Khangakhun (Tug of war), Raikhangathat (mock war), etc were some of the special attractions of the celebration participated by people from far and wide.

Local musical bands also performed at the occasion.

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