Newmai News Network
IMPHAL, November 1
[dropcap]K[/dropcap]ut was celebrated with great fervour across Manipur today with the State Level Kut Committee organising the biggest event of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group of Manipur at the 1stManipur Rifles parade ground here.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, Health minister Phungzathang Tonsing and Speaker Th Lokeswar were the chief guest, president and guest of honour at the evening part of the occasion hosted by the State Level Kut Committee. Deputy Speaker Preshow Shimray, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar, Education minister M Okendro, Agriculture minister Abdul Nasir and MLAs K Sarat, P Brojen, Nemcha Kipgen, S Bir, T Mangibabu, K Surachandra and O Landhoni Devi were the guests of honour.
The morning session of the celebration was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as chief guest, IFCD minister Ngamthang Haokip as president and MP Thangso Baite and PHED minister I Hemochandra Singh as guests of honour.
The celebration, also known as Chavang Kut, began with colourful cultural dances performed by different troupes representing their respective communities in traditional attires at the 1st Manipur Rifles parade ground. Several participants also presented beautiful songs at the occasion. In his speech at the occasion, Chief Minister Ibobi said Kut which is a post-harvest festival of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group has now more or less become a state event.
Ibobi said he was happy to learn that Kut is also celebrated in other parts of the world, adding may the Kut bring a peaceful and prosperous state. He also thanked the organisers for inviting him to the celebration.
In a message to the gathering, Gaikhangam wished for world peace with the celebration of Kut festival 2014.
He emphasised the importance of preserving the peaceful and harmonious way of life left behind by the forefathers and said, “We should be very proud of every ethnic communities of Manipur which have their own distinct cultural heritages.”
Miss Kut, a beauty pageant participated by 22 contestants from different communities of the state was held as part of the celebration at the venue.
