DIBRUGARH, Nov 2 � Along with other parts of the country and north-east States in particular, the Kuki community here celebrated one of their biggest festival called Chavang Kut. The term Chavang mean autumn and �kut� means festival. It is an autumn festival celebrated on November 1 every year.
The age old traditional festival is celebrated generally by the Chin-Kuki-Mizo people. It may be noted that the Kukis of Myanmar, popularly known as �Chins� and Kukis of Chittagong hill track of Bangladesh also celebrate the festival. It is a post harvest festival celebrated in thanks giving to the Chung Pathen (God) for abundant blessings. In the good old days, the people celebrated this festival for days together drinking ju (rice beer), dancing, merrymaking and playing variety of sport, a few Kuki members told this correspondent.
The �Chavang Kut 2010 was celebrated with the theme �Know thy roots to know thyself better�. The first session dedicated to worship service started with a welcome speech by Dr Lamkholal Doungel followed by formal introduction of guests and felicitation of chief guests and other special guests. The chief guest of the function, Anie Barla, principal of Little Angelo School, Chabua while adressing the gathering said that although people belonged to different origins, nationality and spoke different languages, all were one, either by faith or by one human race. The function was also attended by special guest Elizabeth from Texas, US. Elizabeth thanked Chavang Kut committee for inviting her and exhorted about the beauty of preserving culture and keeping traditional values.
The second part of the session comprised cultural and entertainment events. The main events of the festival included Chavang Kut message, exhortation on the theme of the Kut, musical programmes, draw of lottery, selection of Mr and Miss Kut etc. Chavang kut message was delivered by Kut Pa Pu L. Kilong followed by exhortation on the theme by other distingushed persons. The programme came to a close with vote of thanks from G L Haopu and closing prayer from Pu Chongloi.
