Chapchar Kut is celebrated during March after completion of their most task of jhum operation. Two other fests relating to agri-cycle are Mim Kut and Pawl Kut
Aizawl, March 6, 2020 : (IANS/Enewstime Desk) The grand celebration of the most popular spring festival of Mizos, “Chapchar Kut” took place in Mizoram on Friday where Chief Minister Zoramthanga graced it as ‘Kut Pa’ (father of the festival).
Addressing the gathering Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said, the festival offers an opportunity to promote Mizo traditions and strengthen brotherhood. He also expressed hope that the festival would bestow happiness.
On Thursday, the event was celebrated at Assam Rifles ground in Aizawl as pre-festival, where Art and Culture Minister R. Lalzirliana was ‘Kut Pa’.
About Chapchar Kut
According to info available in wikipedia, Chapchar Kut is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). It is a spring festival celebrated with great favour and gaiety.
Chapchar Kut is one of three annual festivals of the Mizos celebrated to mark three different stages of the agricultural cycle. The other two are Mim Kut and Pawl Kut, also revived in the last century.
Spring fest – Chapchar Kut celebration
As per historical chronicles, Chapchar Kut is estimated to have started in 1450–1700 A.D. in a village called Suaipui. Chapchar Kut used to be celebrated to thank the gods for saving the people from harm during the clearing of forest on hill slopes for jhum cultivation at the beginning of a year.
On the first night the young men and women would dance all night. The women would come dressed wearing a Vakira. Chai dance has its origins in this festival.
The gaiety and fervour of “Chapchar Kut” shines through with plenty of mass dancing and music to keep everyone in good spirits. The state government declared Friday as government holiday to allow the people to participate in the festivity in huge number.
On Thursday, the Art and Culture Minister welcomed the people to participate in the fun and amusement events being organised during the two-day festival. Traditional bamboo dance “Cheraw” and other dances were performed at the main event.
Addressing the gathering Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said, the festival offers an opportunity to promote Mizo traditions and strengthen brotherhood. He also expressed hope that the festival would bestow happiness.
