MLA of 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency, Khashim Vashum attended the inaugural celebration as chief guest. Former ADC Members of Ukhrul, Wezope A. Lohe and R. Tuizar Lawrence were the guests of honour.
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
The indigenous bread festival got underway at Chingjaroi CV on Tuesday. This is the biggest festival among all local festivals. It is celebrated soon after seed-sowing.
Celebrated under the theme “Cherishing Our Cultural Heritage”, the four-day long Khamor Angkhui Festival of Chingjaroi CV kickstarted on Tuesday and will culminate on April 16, 2021.
MLA of 45-Chingai Assembly Constituency, Khashim Vashum attended the inaugural celebration as chief guest. Former ADC Members of Ukhrul, Wezope A. Lohe and R. Tuizar Lawrence were the guests of honour.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Khashim Vashum stated that “This soil has produced two MLAs who have sacrificed and given back so much to the community. Today, on this occasion, I would like to acknowledge their contribution and selfless service.”
Khashim Vashum informed that Chingjaroi CV Baptist Church is also the mother church of his village Tusom CV and is very close to the hearts of Tusom CV villagers.
Khashim Vashum elaborated on the various projects being taken up by the present Government in the village and neighbouring area. He also highlighted the various projects to be taken up soon in the village. He added that on priority basis and phase wise the present Government is slowly but surely addressing the grievances of the people, be it roads, drinking water supply connection, power supply and bridges. He wishes the gathering a happy Khamor Angkhui, a year filled with good health and bountiful harvest.
One of the main attractions of the celebration is “Atozha Kapang”. All the womenfolk in the village clad in their traditional attires would surround the table where food is laid, sing folk songs and march around the area. One of the eldest women in the village would say the traditional blessing and the delicious food especially, huge pieces of pork is served to everyone including the guests, a bite at a time by the womenfolk with playful banters. Later after this lively event, all the womenfolk in the village would carry firewood to the host’s house.
It has been a long-held belief among the natives that anyone who hosts this feast will have abundant blessings in his/her life. Aya A Shimray added that “the real purpose and meaning of “Atozha Kapang” have somehow metamorphosed over the years. In the present day, the practice has come to be used as an occasion to host community feasts by anyone who wishes to volunteer.” Tangkhul artist, Somichan Vashum and Nimzingla Horam enthralled the crowd in the evening gathering with their superb performances. “Tewvi Sewpu Mathă Cook” a group of 12 women was responsible for preparing the delicious foods that was served to hundred of guests that was attended by neighbouring villages and workers of NPF who accompanied the chief guest and guests of honour.