Manipur's Kangpokpi prepares for ‘Chavang Kut for Christ’ as Kuki-Zo community pray for unity

The Kuki-Zo community in Manipur is preparing to celebrate Chavang Kut this year, marking an extraordinary shift from its traditional post-harvest revelry to a day of prayer and unity.

Once known for its colorful dances, music, and gatherings, Chavang Kut was last celebrated in 2022, embodying the joy and spirit of the harvest. However, the tragic events of May 3, 2023, in Manipur cast a long shadow, and out of respect for customary wartime observances, the festival was suspended.

In an effort to uphold the festival's core values of strength and solidarity, the Committee on Tribal Unity has redesigned the occasion as "Chavang Kut for Christ." Instead of conventional celebrations, this year's Chavang Kut will be a day devoted to prayer, unity, and reflection, focusing on the resilience of the Kuki-Zo community.

This unique observance will span four locations across Kangpokpi District: Brigadier M. Thomas Ground for the Gunhom region, Gelnal Playground for the Twilang region, Saikul Playground for the Saikul area, and Leimakhong Bazar for the New Keithelmanbi, Kangchup, and Leimakhong regions.

The preparations, spearheaded by Kuki-Zo Nampi Taokhomna and supported by the Committee on Tribal Unity, have been in full swing, with passionate efforts and late-night work at Brigadier M. Thomas Ground and other venues. 

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