08 November 2009: Chin people across the globe held a series of festivals celebrating their 'New Year' in the month of October. The festival, which has its traditional origin associated with cultivation marks the end of the harvest season.
The festival, which is now known globally as Chin New Year, has its celebration called by various names in Chin dialects of different areas such as Khuado in Tedim and Tonzang, Fang-er in Falam, K'Thai Ei in Mindat and Kanpalet, On Hu Saung Thar Ei Pwe in Asho, Taai Cha Nai in Paletwa, Cang Zom in Matupi, Khai Mdeh in Dai, Kut or Pawl Kut in Mizo and Tho in Hakha.
Last Saturday, Chin New Year celebration with a big reception was organised and held in Rangoon by Chin Social Welfare Assocation in Judson Memorial Hall of Myanmar Baptist Convention. The programmes included traditional dances, singing and fashion shows.
In a statement released on 31 October 2009 in Rangoon, Chin Social Welfare Association said: "This harvest festival is the most pleasant and prominent of Chin traditional celebrations. The essence of the festival remains the same even though it has various names in different dialects. It has become the only highly regarded traditional festival that makes the national spirit of the Chin people united."
In regards to the original history of the festivity, various explanations have been given with all in connection with agricultural activities and similar traditions.
It is a celebration in Chin traditions held with the concepts of thanksgiving to the guardian spirits of the village and the creator of the universe who blesses the people in their cultivations, of family reunion at a feast where the souls of their dead family members and relatives are also invited, and of sanctification of the village from the evil spirits who bring bad luck as well as for public rejoicing and festivity.
The harvest festival is also observed and celebrated by the tribal peoples living in Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Tripura and Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh.
VanBiakThang@chinlandguardian.com
Chinland Guardian