Senvon (Tipaimukh), December 08: Keeping alive the cultural heritage of their forefathers, the Sikpui Ruoi festival, which used to be observed by the Hmar community before embracing Christianity, was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety at Senvon village, located along the Manipur-Myanmar border, under Tipaimukh sub-division from December 2 to 5.The festival was celebrated along with a cultural meet under the theme �Our land - Our treasured jewel� and was organised by Hmar Students� Association, Manipur.

Presentation of Hmar cultural dances, folk-songs and a seminar on Tipaimukh dam were some of the main highlights of the four-day long event attended by Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Dr Chaltonlien Amo as the chief guest.

In commemoration of the first Sikpui Ruoi festival held at Zopui Tlang in Senvon in 1898, the Hmar villagers attired in traditional dresses and headgears went up to the hill top, reportedly the same spot where their forefathers in the bygone age celebrated the festival and performed the cultural dances and folksongs.

Senior member of DESAM Kapu was also among those who spoke at the occasion.

After the four-day long cultural extravaganza, the Hmar Students� Association adopted three declarations.

These include reviving the cultural heritage of the Hmar people, preserving the site where the first Sikpui Ruoi was celebrated and organising the National centenary by all the Church groups of Hmar in 2010.As part of the event, NIPCO and Hmar Students� Association also jointly organised a seminar on Tipaimukh dam under the theme of �Our land, rivers and forest�.

The seminar attended by village chiefs and other resource persons deliberated on the pros and cons and the environmental impact of constructing the dam.

However, no definite resolution was taken.

Nonetheless, the speakers emphasised on the protecting wild life, bringing the region within the ambit of the 6th Scheduled as well as on the climatic and environmental changes that is likely to be caused by the dam.

Comment