The 4th Edition of Haofa̱ Phanit (Festival) was successfully organized today in Phungcham Village with the motto, “Preserve and Promote Haofa̱.”
The festival, dedicated to the Tangkhul indigenous canine breed known as Haofa̱, was a collaborative effort by the Phungcham Haofa̱ Lovers Association, the Phungcham Village Authority, Development Committee, Shanao Long, and Katamnao Mayar Ngala Long.
Tennoson Pheiray, President of the Haofa̱ Lovers Association, addressed the gathering, stating that the festival has been celebrated every December since 2021 to promote and preserve the Haofa̱ breed. “It is also a reminder to all of us of its significance to our culture and identity,” he stressed.
Pheiray underscored the Haofa̱’s importance to the community, calling it a treasure. He warned against complacency, noting that without preservation efforts, the breed and its cultural identity could be lost, citing historical instances of complete loss of flora and fauna. “There will come a time where we will search and not find it. That is the reason the Phungcham village is organizing the Haofa̱ festival,” he said, expressing gratitude to MLA Khashim Vashum for his constant support.
The Chief Guest, Ukhrul Deputy Commissioner Asish Das, IAS, spoke about the breed’s uniqueness, which he had learned about through literature. He cautioned the community that the biggest disadvantage of having unique things with is the potential for external exploitation or theft of identity citing the example of Americans claiming copyright over indigenous Indian products due to ignorance about their origin.
The DC urged the community to take the pain and effort locally, warning that without this effort, others might claim the name and benefits. Furthermore, he highlighted the Haofa̱’s potential to transform the village economy, suggesting, “You can make a villageplan based on this breed”
A significant part of the festival is the annual cash award given to the best-maintained Haofa̱ owner to support their efforts. This year’s recipient was Lengchonphy Horam, President of Phungcham Shanao Long.
Dignitaries present at the event included Chief Guest Asish Das, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Akash Meena, Manager, RBI, representatives from the ADM, and Khashim Vashum, MLA Chingai.