FESTIVALS IN MIZORAM
Famous Festivals : Chapchar Kut
Duration : 7 Days.
Month Of Festivity : March.
Where Hospitality Is Religion
Tucked well within the northeastern hills, the culture of Mizoram evolved
independent of outside influence. Originating from a hunting-gathering
society, the various tribal festival too centred around the society, the
various tribal festivals too centred around the society's relationship
with the passing of season.
Chapchar Kut - The spring Festival
It was just after dawn. Golden sunlight poured over the forested hills,
wisps of woodsmoke arose from the kitchen chimneys to merge with the bits
of grey mists floating around like balls of cottonwool. The green backed
hillsides dovetailed with each other forming an endless wavy pattern,
marked here and thereby barren rock faces or a gushing stream of silver
white water. Little birds twittered merrily, their joyful chorus heralding
the onset of the spring season. Far down below, the plains of northern
India were getting ready to observe another colourful Holi while here in
Mizoram, it was time to celebrate Chapchar Kut - a spring festival with a
difference. In local parlance, 'Kut ' means festival.
Westernized influence brought in by the Christian missionaries and the
politically turbulent period soon after Indian independence pushed
traditional Mizo culture to the brink. It was at this juncture that a
section of the Mizo society realized the need to revive the traditional
culture and the young Mizo association was born. With a centre in every
town and major village, the YMA has been slowly infusing the society with
the traditional lifestyle and customs.
A Blend Of Traditional Music And Costumes
Every year, the YMA organises the Chapchar Kut festival in spring,
showcasing the pomp and pageantry of yore. Usually held in early march,
the seven-day festival is held at the stadium next to the Assam rifles
ground, located in the heart of Aizawl town.
School children and youth club members prepare for these festival months
in advance. Colourfully attired in their tribal regalia, complete with
feathered headdresses, jewellery, weapons and other props, participating
groups assemble at the stadium early in the morning. The festival begins
with "Kut Puipate" or the inauguration ceremony where the
visiting dignitaries give speeches and formally declare the festival open.
This is followed by the then 'Katna' or the time when the dance groups
arrange themselves in the stadium, putting final touches to their dress,
make up or formations.
Meanwhile, Mizo singers enthrall the crowd with their special renderings.
The whole place soon turns into a riot of colour as the then 'Hnihna'
begins. The elderly members of the society come dressed in their
traditional costumes, representing the individual tribes of the region and
take part in a fantastic procession called the "Kut Rore". This
is followed by the various tribal dances, the most important being the
'Cheraw' or the bamboo dance. The nimble-footed female dancers jump in
perfect unison and rhythm as the men clap the bamboo sticks around their
feet and sing loudly. In the "Khuangchawi", a little boy is
carried in a bamboo sedan chair by a colourful-attired group of people
amidst loud cheers-an event reminiscent of the times when the tribal
chieftain used to be carried by his men after a successful hunt.
The function ends with the then "Thumna" or the event where the
local singers once again present the traditional popular numbers and are
joined by the cheering crowd.
Legend
According to legend, the Chapchar Kut originated when the thoughtfulness
of a tribal chieftain saved his tribe from degenerating into a good for
nothing society. It is said that once the male members of this tribe
returned empty handed from a big hunt. This made everybody embarrassed and
depressed. The chief, seeing his people so downcast, invited the young men
and women to a lavish party and served them with the traditional rice beer
and meat preparations. Soon the party and served them with the traditional
rice beer and meat preparations. Soon the party broke into a happy mood,
singing and dancing into the night. The rest of the people joined them and
the crowd spilled over to the field. The people were once again happy and
resumed their work.
Gradually the festival became an annual event, celebrated during spring.
Mizoram being a mountainous and forested land, the people followed the "Jhum"
or slash and burn cultivation. It involved clearing a wide tract of land,
in the forest, felling trees, deweeding the area and then preparing it for
sowing. It was only at this juncture that the hardworking people got some
spare time and they chose to celebrate the Chapchar Kut. An unequivocal
celebration of leisure marked by gaiety, feasting and invoking blessings
for a successful harvest, the festival has now turned into a grand
ceremony.
Springtime In Mizoram
Interestingly, spring is also the best time to visit Mizoram. Besides
attending the festival, the visitor can also take his fill of the
beautiful state.
Aizawl Attractions
A picturesque town located at 4,000 feet - is a convenient base to start
exploring. Standing on a high ridge, it commands a fantastic view of the
surrounding countryside - the green valleys of the rivers Tiurial and
Tlawng on the east and west respectively, and the craggy Durtlang Hill on
the north.
Uncrowded and unspoilt, backpacks into the primitive forests or just
relax among the comforts of the scenic tourist lodges run by Mizoram
tourism. The town is a walker's paradise. The museum at McDonald's hill
highlights the tribal culture and their handicrafts.
Visit Mizoram
Despite their wealth of natural and historical attractions, tourists
usually shun the northeastern hill states. If one is apprehensive of the
region, Mizoram is an excellent place to start your familiarization
process. Woven into the code of conduct of every Mizo is the "Tlawmngaihna"
- that enthuses every person to be hospitable, kind unselfish and
helpful'- a term that cannot be really translated and has to be
experienced to be understood.
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