Mizoram all set to celebrate Chapchar Kut on Feb 28 & March 1

Aizawl: Preparations are gaining momentum in all parts of Mizoram as the state is all set to organise a two-day event to mark Chapchar Kut, considered the most important and biggest festival of the ethnic Mizos, on February 28 and March 1.

This is the second time the state government has declared a two-day celebration for the spring festival to promote communal and social harmony. The event will see different cultural hues amidst strong crowds across the state.

A meeting of organising committee headed by chief minister Zoramthanga held recently has chosen ‘Zofate Inpumkhatna’ (Unity of all Mizo(Zo) communities) as the ‘theme’ of the festival.

The first day of the festival will be marked by a Chapchar Kut Run which will be followed by official celebration in different parts of the state, a member of the organising committee told EastMojo.

He said that in Aizawl, the Chapchar Kut run will be held in two directions — one from Chanmari and the other from Sikulpuikawn junction to be culminated at Lammual, where formal celebration will be held.

State’s art and culture minister R Lalzirliana will graced the first day of the festival as ‘Kut Pa’ or father of the festival, while the department secretary B Lalhmingthanga will be ‘Kut Thlengtu’ or host of the festival.

The grand celebration of Chapchar Kut will be held on March 1 at Lammual, where chief minister Zoramthanga will be the ‘Kut Pa’ and R Lalzirliana will be ‘Kut Thelngtu’ or host of the festival.

The organising committee has decided to honour three sports persons — Jeje Lalpekhlua (footballer), David Zohmangaiha and Lalrintluangi (both everesters), in recognition of their invaluable contribution towards bringing Mizoram to national limelight.

The two-day-long celebration will also see an eye-catching performance of different cultural dances, including mass ‘Cheraw’ or bamboo dance by various YMA branches and also traditional music and songs from various artistes.

Citing that Chapchar Kut promotes cultural values and tradition of the Mizos, the state government has instructed its employees to put on Mizo traditional dresses to office from Monday till Thursday, the first day of the festival.

Chapchar Kut is the biggest and most important festival of Mizoram and is celebrated during March after completion of most arduous task of Jhum operation, i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). It is a spring festival celebrated with great fervour and gaiety.

Chapchar Kut is estimated to have started in 1450-1700 A.D. in a village called Suaipui. Chapchar Kut was discouraged when the Missionaries came to Mizoram as it was felt that it did not adhere to Christian values, however it was revived in 1973 on a mass scale sans animistic practice and alcohol.