Manipur celebrates Kut Harvest Festival with gusto

Imphal (Manipur), Dec.1 : The Kuki-Chin and Mizo tribes of Manipur recently celebrated 'Chavang-Kut', the autumn post harvest festival with great enthusiasm and gaiety.

The 29 tribes of Manipur celebrate a number of traditional festivals, and the Chavang-Kut festival is one among them.

It is a festival held in gratitude to the Almighty for giving a bountiful harvest. It is marked with songs and dances.

This year's Kut festival was held at the Manipur Rifles Ground in Imphal in the presence of state dignitaries and people of different communities.

The festival is celebrated throughout the state

"The Kut is a festival of the Kuki tribe. But in recent times there has been a visible change. It is now celebrated throughout the state. The rich culture of the tribes is highlighted through this festival," said Tongam, a member of the Tarao Tribe.

Organized by the state level Kut committee, the main attraction of the festival was the Miss Kut 2010 beauty pageant contest.

Participants, from different communities, were dressed in their best ethnic attires during the contest.

Divya Chingtham, a Meitei was crowned this year's Miss Kut, while Kimkhanthem Haokip, a Kuki took the first runner-up title. The Khuraijam Rajeshwori was the second runner-up.

Cultural programmes and musical programs added zing to the celebrations.

"I want to share my prize with orphans. As the Miss Kut title winner, I would like to give some of the money that I won to orphans and I also want to share my love and happiness with the children," said ivya Chingtham, Miss Kut 2010.

Such festivities highlight the vibrant colors of the region as well as the strong bonds and good relationship that exist between different tribes in the state.