Ukhrul, September 16: The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Festival was inaugurated with grandeur on Tuesday in Sirarakhong village under the theme “Heritage of Blessings,” highlighting the identity, pride, and cultural heritage of the famous Hathei chilli, which received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in September 2021.
The festival, regarded as a thanksgiving celebration for the abundant blessings of the Hathei, brought together government officials, village leaders, civil society representatives, and the local community to honour the chilli variety that has placed Sirarakhong on the global map.
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In his welcome speech, the village headman described the Hathei as not merely an agricultural product but the very foundation of the village’s livelihood. “Heritage of blessings is not merely a theme but our history. Hathei has put Sirarakhong on the global map. This festival is a beacon of hope, a moment of thanksgiving to our ancestors for passing down their knowledge, and to the youth for their energy in preserving and sustaining the Hathei,” he said, while urging villagers to continue celebrating the timeless legacy of their forebears.
Although the Governor of Manipur was scheduled to inaugurate the festival as the chief guest, he could not attend due to adverse weather conditions. The Festival Chairman expressed regret, stating, “We regret that the Governor could not attend the festival due to the weather. We have been trying our best to keep the road in good condition, but due to continuous rain, there were 30 landslides on the road connecting Sirarakhong and Imphal yesterday alone.”
Despite his absence, the Governor conveyed his best wishes in a message. He lauded Sirarakhong as the proud owner of the world-renowned Hathei, celebrated for its vibrant colour and unique aroma, calling it “not only a culinary treasure but also a vital heart of communities and cultural heritage.” The Governor emphasized that under the Vision 2050 roadmap, there lies a great opportunity to enhance sustainable cultivation, strengthen post-harvest infrastructure, and promote Hathei’s brand identity globally through its GI status. He further underlined that the Hathei Festival plays a vital role in celebrating this heritage and supporting farmers. Commending the Sirarakhong Hathei Promotional Society for their efforts, he wished them success in realizing the Vision 2050 so that Hathei continues to bring pride to Manipur and earn greater global recognition.
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Special guest Thaithuilung Pamei, IAS, and Commissioner of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, addressed the gathering by emphasizing the uniqueness of the natural colour of Hathei. He suggested harnessing its potential for food colouring and other purposes, which could greatly benefit the farming community. He further stressed that with scientific inputs, Hathei cultivation can be expanded beyond a single harvest, envisioning year-round production to bring economic prosperity.
“Sirarakhong has the potential of becoming a hub of the agro-horticultural industry,” he said, urging neighbouring villages to study and emulate the vision of Sirarakhong, while calling on the youth to learn discipline and hard work from the farming community and carry these values wherever they go.
The festival also witnessed participation from executives of the Central Bureau of Communication and various neighbouring villages, including CH Wungshangshim, Headman of Torah; Ningtam Ramror, Chairman of Teinem; Somatai Valui, Teinem Village Secretary; Eleazer Rainam, Chairman of Phalee; Kashung, Pharung Headman; and representatives from Ringui and Phalee Wungnao.
Civil society organisations, including the Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Long (TNZL), led by President Epchan Kapai and Secretary with executives, and the Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long, also extended their support.
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The Sirarakhong Village Chairman reiterated that the Hathei continues to uphold the pride and identity of the village, reflecting the community’s resilience and cultural richness.
The Hathei Festival, since its beginning, has grown into a symbol of thanksgiving, cultural preservation, and economic aspiration, uniting communities in celebration while setting a vision for sustainable prosperity.