Dibrugarh celebrates Chavang Kut fest with rich display of traditions

Dibrugarh: The 17th Upper Assam Chavang Kut festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Sahitya Sabha Hall in Dibrugarh on Saturday, bringing together members of the Kuki community and well-wishers from across the region.The event, held under the theme “Stronger Together: Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future,” showcased the rich traditions and unity of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes.Chavang Kut is an autumn harvest festival celebrated by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo tribes, primarily in Manipur and other northeastern states, on Nov 1 to express gratitude to deities for a bountiful harvest. The name combines chavang (autumn) and kut (harvest), and celebrations traditionally include dances, songs, feasts, sports, and cultural performances.Kaikhohao Doungel, superintendent of Central Goods & Service Tax and Customs, graced the occasion as chief guest, while Bharati Dutta, retired associate professor of DHSK College, Dibrugarh and an eminent academician, attended as guest of honour. The function was presided over by Lamkholal Doungel, associate professor and head of the department of political science at DHSK College and adviser of Kuki Inpi Assam. Letkhokam Vaiphei served as the Kut Pa (Host) for the day’s celebration.The programme commenced with the welcoming of dignitaries, followed by the formal inauguration by the Kut Pa. Sangboi Doungel, chairman of the Kut Celebration Committee, in his welcome address called upon everyone to “celebrate the day in the true spirit of Kut — through rejoicing, dancing, and cherishing unity.”The celebration featured vibrant traditional dances, folk songs, and modern performances that captivated the audience throughout the day. The event was expertly compered by Jankhogin Haokip, Mangboi Lupheng, Nungah Jefani Changsan, and Minlal Chongloi.In his address, Doungel reminisced about earlier Chavang Kut celebrations and emphasised the importance of preserving cultural identity while embracing modernity and global changes.Dutta expressed her delight at witnessing the colourful celebration, lauding “the unity, vibrancy, and warmth reflected in the event.”Delivering his address, Doungel said, “Tradition and culture are not merely in the dress we wear, but in the spirit we nurture and impart to the younger generation.”The festival concluded on a joyous note with community feasting, traditional dances, and a renewed spirit of togetherness and gratitude, reaffirming the Kuki community’s commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage.