The 12th State Level Mimkut Mini Hornbill Festival concludes at Maova Village, Chümoukedima, with calls to preserve culture and land for sustainable development.
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DIMAPUR — The 12th State Level Mimkut Mini Hornbill Festival was held at Maova village, Chümoukedima district, commencing on January 16 and culminating on Saturday, January 17.
The festival was organised by Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) and sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland, stated a DIPR report.
Addressing the gathering on the first day, the special guest, Colonel Kartik Thapa, Commanding Officer of 22 Assam Rifles, noted that the affection shown to him by the Kuki community represented a lifelong friendship which began in Kangpokpi.
Speaking on the significance of the Mimkut festival, he expressed happiness at seeing age-old traditions and customs preserved. Thapa urged the community to preserve their culture and teach the younger generation its essence. He also inaugurated nine exhibition stalls set up by various Kuki villages.
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The chief host, P James Swu, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Medziphema, thanked the Kuki community and the Department of Tourism for sponsoring the festival. He highlighted the importance of preserving cultural values and promoting them.
Swu urged the community to bring out the best from the Mimkut Mini Hornbill festival by strengthening cultural identity and educating the younger generation about their culture with love and peace.
The evening programme featured activities like "Mimkut Icon" and "Mimkut Super Dancer", with approximately 1500 people in attendance.
The festival culminated on Saturday, marked by the unveiling of the Mimkut monolith by the special guest, I Himato Zhimomi, Principal Secretary for Geology and Mining, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Science and Technology.
The monolith was dedicated by Rev. David Vaiphei, Executive Secretary of KCCNS.
Zhimomi lauded the organisers for successfully conducting the festival and showcasing rich cultural heritage. He recalled the long-standing relationship between the Kuki community, the first MLA Lamkam, and his father, Ihezhe Zhimomi, former minister, dating back to 1964. He highlighted the importance of strengthening this relationship.
He appealed to the community to preserve their land, noting that it holds significant economic and environmental value. He pointed out that the land is strategically located, touching the four-lane highway as well as the new railway line, making it important for sustainable development.
The second day featured activities like a "Gosem" display and cultural dances by Molvom, the Kuki community of Medziphema town, Zhuikhu village, the Kuki Union, and Khaibung.