Ukhrul: The Phungcham Luita Phanat, seed sowing festival kickstarted on Thursday with colourful display of traditional and cultural show.
The inaugural programme was attended by Jubilate Kazingmei, Programme Director of Volunteer for Village Development (VVD), Ukhrul as chief guest. Wungnaongam Horamwo, Headman of Phungcham village was the chief host.
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Speaking at the occasion, Jubilate Kazingmei stated that “the concept of Creator was there even in our forefathers’ days. They believed in the Creator of earth and everything that is under and above the earth. But with the coming of Christianity, our old practices have been left behind. We are seeing the desire to revive the old age practices, excluding the rituals and acts of worshipping that were animistic in nature.”
“One of the main purposes of the festival is to invoke the blessing of the Creator for a bountiful harvest and good health. If we live with nature in harmony, we will have good health and good harvest. Disturbances in the ecological system would adversely affect one or the other. Our forefather had a close relationship with the nature and its surroundings,” stated Jubilate Kazingmei.
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He further continued, “this is also a time to revive our culture and tradition and a time to bring us closer together as one. May this celebration be a bridge to gap the differences and for a better tomorrow. Our system of cultivation is purely organic. We do not use other chemicals that is harmful to our health. In the recent years, we are seeing the influence of corporate sectors invading our agricultural products. We are using corporate seeds now instead of our traditional seeds to have more harvest. I appeal everyone to promote and use only our traditional seeds which is time tested and proven good and beneficial to our health. The use of chemical fertilisers such as pesticide, insecticides and other chemical should be immediately stopped for our future posterity. I wish everyone a blessed year and a bountiful harvest.”
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The villagers displayed Otrei Kaphung and Thangrei Khangahei. The visiting guests were received by the villagers at the village gate and warmly escorted to the residence of Headman.
The village seed sowing festival will wind up on February 17, 2024. Outer MP of Manipur, Dr. Lorho Pfoze will grace the closing ceremony.
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