Kukis gear to celebrate Mimkut Festival with grandeur and gaiety

EMN
DIMAPUR, JANUARY 15

The scenic beauty of Ahthibung town under Peren district, covered in nature’s lap of lush greens would be all the more mesmerising and impressive as it would be the happening place on January 16 – 17, the stage being all set for celebration of Mimkut Festival cum 50 years Nagaland Statehood celebration by the Kuki community of Nagaland. The whose who, of the state would converge at Ahthibung local ground joining in the festivity of the Kuki’s.Mimkut festival is a post harvest festival of the Kukis, recognised by the Government of Nagaland. The recognition of the festival was made possible due to the efforts and initiatives taken by late Langkam Kuki, MLA and Lalkholam Singsong, MLA during the first Assembly after the Statehood of Nagaland.
‘Mim’ is a kind of food grain known as ‘jobs tears’ and the predominance of ‘Mim’ could be traced back in the true story of Lendou and his brother which is known within the Kuki society. Lendou and his younger brother shared a piece of Mim to show their brotherhood love in times of hunger and distress, when they were abandoned by their mother. Mim is the last harvest crop of all seasons. The sowing of Mim normally starts in the beginning of May and harvested in the later part of December and therefore, Mimkut is best regarded as a post-harvest festival of the Kukis.
Tradition handed down orally from generation to generation says that the Kukis originated from subterranean underworld call ‘Khul’. They came out from this ‘khul’ in search of better land. They brought with them a number of cereals such as millet, tapioca, beans, yams, etc.
After they came over ground they found paddy and jobs tears together, which were brought across a river called ‘Jwinanhem’ by a pair of wild rats on a bamboo sheath tucked in the mouths. Gradually they found Mithun from a place called ‘Sisep’, Pig from ‘Bonnol’ and fowl from ‘Molkon’, which they domesticated. They would lavishly use these animals during such festivals. Thus the cultivation of ‘jobs tears started’ and they found that it was more productive and yielded better harvest.
The Kukis have rich traditions and cultural heritage that are distinct, unique and impressive. The land of the Kukis is blessed with rich customs and traditions and the folklores of the Kukis represent the rich variety of the Kuki culture. The Kukis have several festivals such as Mimkut, Chappjon Kut and Chavang Kut etc and the rich customs, culture and tradition of the Kukis, a legacy from their forefathers are reflected in the numerous festivals celebrated by the Kukis.
Come January 17, chief guest of the main function the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio would be joining the Kuki community of Nagaland in celebrating Mimkut festival where on arrival he would be carried on palanquin to be received by chief host MLA & chairman, NHHDC, Namri Nchang, Mimkut committee members and Kuki Inpi office bearers. Besides, minister for Planning & Coordination, TR Zeliang; parliamentary secretary RD and REPA, CL John; chief secretary, Alemtemshi Jamir; project director Music Task Force Nagaland, Gugs Chishi and hosts of dignitaries would be part of the 7th State level Mimkut Festival 2014, celebration joining the Kuki community in their merriment and feasting.
The two-day celebration would be marked by varieties of folk dances to be performed by cultural troupes of different villages, traditional games and sports, display of traditional traps, exhibition stalls, cultural competition, Kuki ethnic fashion show, traditional rituals, the much awaited Miss Kut contest and many more interesting events.
On January 16 evening, the main attraction would be the Mimkut Rock contest and Voice Hunt, which will features band and Solo competition. State chief secretary Alemtemshi Jamir and project director, Music Task Force, Gugs Chishi will grace the entertaining musical extravaganza as special guest and special invitee respectively.
As Mimkut 2014 is being organised as part of 50 years Statehood celebration Health Mela would also be organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare and the Department of IPR would be screening documentaries on Statehood.
Members of the state level Mimkut committee 2014, Nagaland, led by special secretary Home, L Singsit as chairman and Kuki Inpi officials Nagaland led by its president Poalal Hangsing, (IAS Rtd) and various sub committee members are leaving no stone unturned working out every detail meticulously to make Mimkut 2014 a memorable event.
‘Happy Mimkut Festival’
(A DIPR feature by Lolano P Khuvung, APRO)