During this festival, the villagers make khamui (sticky rice bread), drink khor (indigenous drinks made from the finest grain), indulge in merry making and rejuvenate their energy, from tilling the earth for sowing of crops till the harvest season
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Chingjaroi Khullen’s “Khamor Angkhui Festival 2021” kicked off in Ukhrul on Tuesday by showcasing the rich culture of Chingjaroi , also known Asinie. This year, it is celebrated under the theme “Unity in Custom”.
During this festival, the villagers make khamui (sticky rice bread), drink khor (indigenous drinks made from the finest grain), indulge in merry making and rejuvenate their energy, from tilling the earth for sowing of crops till the harvest season. The essence of this festival is to invoke the blessing of the creator for a bountiful harvest.
The inaugural ceremony of Chingjaroi Khullen “Khamor Angkhui Festival 2021” was attended by Retd. IAS, Ningam Chamroy as chief guest and PO DRDA Ukhrul, Ngamreiwung Luithui as guest of honour.
Ningam Chamroy in his speech stated that “We are an independent sovereign village and we practise different cultures and way of life. Our way of dressing is unique and very vibrant. We follow our leaders just like a garland, together as a community we have been living since time immemorial.
“Our expectation will keep on changing as per the changing world. We have to adapt with it. Our ancestors vibrated with nature and co-existed in harmony with nature. We also need to adapt with the changing world while preserving the rich culture because that is our identity.
“The world has advanced so much. We are yet to keep pace with the fast changing world. It is time for the educated youngsters to do deep research and roll out a roapmap so that we are not left behind with the rest of the world. It is a global world. We cannot change overnight.
“Let us observe our culture and tradition with seriousness. It is our source of history, law and our source of origin. We are in the crossroad, our civilization is in a nascent stage in this modern world,” he said.
Ngamreiwung Luithui stated that “I as a culture lover, I am so privilege to witness the rich culture of Chingjaroi for the first time. This kind of celebration brings us closer and rejuvenates our soul, mind and body. He also expressed gratitude on behalf of SDO Jessami, Kachamthai F Gangmei for inviting to attend the festival, but due to some urgent office work he could not attend the programme.
Headman of Chingjaroi Khullen, Solomon A Shimray elaborated the essence of the festival. He stated that it is to invoke blessings of the creator for a bountiful harvest. He also added that the villagers indulge in eating good and delicious food, drinking khor, getting oneself healthy and fit with full energy to work in the field from now onwards till the harvest.
The festival will wind up on April 17, 2021. The celebration was also attended by 27 AR Awangkasom COB, Maj. Vaibhav Thote, and hundreds of people from 26 neighbouring villages accompanied the chief guest to attend the celebration today held at Christ King Ground, Chingjaroi Khullen.