‘Lawmpi Gualnawp’ celebration of Vaiphei community underway

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Jan. 4 (EMN): The 5th triennial celebration of Lawmpi Gualnawp, a traditional celebration of the Vaiphei community, was formally inaugurated at Leilon Vaiphei village located about 30 north-west of Imphal in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Monday.

The formal inaugural function was attended by advisor to chief minister Ngamthang Haokip, who is also a sitting MLA of Saitu constituency, along with the deputy director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences Kaikam Doungel, president of Young Vaiphei Association Soikhokam Vaiphei, and an executive member of Kangpokpi Autonomous District Council S Dama Vaiphei.

The opening ceremony of the week-long traditional celebration was marked by display of different traditional dances and practices of the community. During the week-long celebration, the villagers shared an age-old tradition of Lawmpi and its importance among the younger generation.

A traditional pillar locally called Lawmsial Khawm was also erected and a booklet on Lawmpi Gualnawp, compiled by N Samuel Douminthang Baite and Kh Kamminlal Vaiphei, was also released during the ceremony.

The oldest and youngest persons from the Leilon Vaiphei village namely Nemkhochin Vaiphei (97) and Baby Nemchawihawi Vaiphei (20 days old) were also honoured with a memento each.

In his speech, Ngamthang Haokip appreciated the Lawmpi Gualnawp organising committee for organising the event in a grand manner. He also lauded the contributions of Leilon Vaiphei village in maintaining the overall peaceful co-existence and development in the area.

Different competitions, both traditional and modern, would be organised during the celebration. The celebration would conclude on January 10.