UKHRUL: The installation and blessing ceremony of Kairong Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei as the new Chief/Khullakpa and Ex-Officio Chairman of Luangrang (Nungnang) Village in Khoupum Sub-Division, Noney district, was held at his residence on Monday under the theme, “Rooted in Custom, United for Progress.”
The ceremony marked the formal assumption of the traditional village leadership by Kairong Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei, son of late Kaphungai Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei, and also reaffirmed the customary heritage and ancestral lineage of the Kiluangkhuanang family, traditionally regarded as the first settlers of Luangrang Village.
The programme opened with a traditional Zeliangrong customary ritual involving the examination of a rooster’s legs. In accordance with ancestral practice, the right leg was placed over the left, signifying auspiciousness and the continuity of customary rites preserved and passed down through generations. The traditional chanting of Huaidai, which signifies victory and triumph in Zeliangrong ancestral belief, was also performed.
The Peidai Customary Court of Luangrang Village, along with representatives of different village clans, declared Kairong Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei the legitimate Khullakpa following a case hearing conducted on August 24.
The programme began with an invocation prayer led by Meilung Phaomei, Executive of SPCC, followed by a keynote address by John Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei. A welcome address was delivered by Puanthan Phaomei, hereditary representative of the Kiluangkhuanang kindred, who also introduced the lineage and its kith and kin.
A special traditional song was presented by renowned Zeliangrong singer Pou Mathiuhuam Kamei, recounting the history of Luangrang Village and recalling Mou Lev Kiluangkhuanang and Duangkhamnang Lev Chagumpu, traditionally regarded as the village’s first settlers.
Gailiang Phaomei, Khunbu/Pei Pou of the Luangrang Customary Court, spoke on the history of the village, its early settlers and the Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei lineage and its longstanding presence in Luangrang. Speeches were also delivered by Kujat Ruangmei, Pei Pou of SPCC, and Kadimengpou Phaomei, Chairman of the Luangrang Customary Court.
Representatives of the Pei Dai, village authority and other dignitaries, including Dirong Ruangmei, Kasepu James Panmei, Thaithanlung Phaomei, Meikhiatlung Riamei, Khuangthaolung Ruangmei, Lunglim Phaomei, Napduangdai Phaomei, Kadingampou Gonmei and Haorou Ruangmei, also addressed the gathering.
A Scripture reading from 2 Samuel 5:1–3 was delivered by Janghuailiu Panmei before the blessing and installation ceremony was solemnly conducted by Sebastian Ruangmei, L/C, St. Paul Catholic Church, Luangrang.
Addressing the gathering after his installation, Kairong Kiluangkhuanang Phaomei expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, village leaders, customary court members, representatives of various organisations, relatives and well-wishers who attended the occasion from different villages.
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The ceremony was attended by members of the Kiluangkhuanang kindred, Village Khunbu and Luplakpa, Village Authority representatives, Pei Dai (Customary Court) Pei Pou, members of the Pei Dai, Luhphuam, youth and student representatives, village leaders, special invitees and well-wishers.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Disinglung Phaomei of the Kiluangkhuanang lineage, followed by a closing prayer led by Lumguangdai Phaomei, LBC/Deacon.
