Ukhrul: The Hunphun Luira̱ Phanit, which began on February 14, concluded on Monday at Mission Ground, Alungtang. The closing ceremony was attended by Khashim Vashum, Minister, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary and Transport, Manipur as chief guest and Themreishang A Shimray, Assistant Engineer, CADA, Government of Manipur and Chonmi Raleng, President of All Hunphun Tang Association (AHTA) as guest of honour and special guest respectively.
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Hunphunnao accorded a warm welcome to the dignitaries at the residence of Hunphun Headman and escorted the dignitaries to the venue with colourful traditional attires.
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Speaking at the occassion, Minister Khashim Vashum lauded the initiative of Hunphun Katamnao Long, Hunphun Hanga Wungnao and the Organising Committee for beautifully and successfully organisng the Luira̱ Phanit 2024. Minister Khashim Vashum stated that “Hunphun is the centre of learning for the Tangkhul community. Even back in the 70s, 80s and 90s, Hunphun has been very gracious in accommodating everyone irrespective of their origin as a centre for education and learning. Hunphun is the birthplace of our religion and our education system.”
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“Luira̱ Phanit is not only the time for invoking the blessing of the Creator for a bountiful harvest but it is also a time to inculcate the way of life and practices of our forefathers. To preserve and also to promote the rich custom and culture of our community. It is a time to revisit the past and enact the past for future posterity and for safeguarding our rich and vibrant culture and tradition. Our culture is our identity, and the initiative of Hunphun Katamnao Long and Hunphun Hangva Wungnao and Organising Committee to preserve and promote our culture, custom and tradition is laudable. Luira̱ Phanit is the biggest traditional and agricultural festival of the Tangkhul community. This is also the time for the parents to invoke blessing to their children for their studies. It is a new year, a new beginning for everyone. May we all prosper in the coming year. I wish everyone a prosperous year ahead,” stated Minister Khashim Vashum.
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In the area of development, Minister Khashim Vashum also appealed the Hunphun authorities to give maximum cooperation to any developmental works being taken up by the concerned authorities in the Hunphun area.
Guest of honour, Themreishang A Shimray stated that “not only in agricultural activities, may the children of Hunphun fare well in their studies and other activities. I wish everyone a blessed year ahead and a bountiful harvest”.
The villagers displayed traditional games like Thingreira Khangakhun (tug-of-war), Khangatuk (wrestling), Rai Khangathat, Zeipa Kaphar and open wrestling.
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This year’s edition of Hunphun Luira̱ Phanit 2024 witnessed a maximum participation from the 28 localities that is within the jurisdiction of Hunphun. The closing ceremony was also attended by Themaso Tallano, President of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), representatives from Tangkhul Shanao Long and various leaders from different walks of life. Fame Tangkhul singer, Yaiyai Kasomwoshi performance enthralled the crowd and added more colour to the celebration.
Luira̱ Phanit is a significant part of the Tangkhul culture, an extraordinary traditional festival celebrated by the Tangkhul community to invoke the blessing of Creator for the crop to be sown and for a bountiful harvest.
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