The Chief Minister also released souvenir about the Kut festival. After presentation of the opening song themed ‘unity through culture’, by a band, Rev Stephen Touthang conducted the traditional prayer session.
This was followed by observation of two minutes’ silence in honour of department leaders.
Models taking part in the full dress rehearsal of Miss Kut on Saturday at 1st MR ground. The festival is to be officially celebrated on November 1 at 1st MR ground, Imphal. -- IFP
The Kutpa and the Kut personality of the year as well as other well-known individuals were felicitated with simple gifts.
Addressing the formal function of the Kut festival as chief guest, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi stated that Kut festival is not only a traditional festival but also a means in itself to bring love and peace among different communities of Manipur.
Earlier Kut festival was celebrated separately at village level on different dates according to convenience. But after its significance was realised, the festival has been promoted to a State-level festival, Ibobi noted.
The State Government, acknowledging the significance of Kut declared it a State holiday, he reminded.
The festival lost its popularity due to certain historical conditions during the concluding part of 19th century. But the festival by virtue of its significance resurged again in the latter part of the 20th century.
The Chief Minister asserted that the Kut festival is no longer a festival of any particular community but it has become a festival of all communities of the state.
“Let the Kut festival bring peace in Manipur”, Ibobi wished.
The Chief Minister also donated Rs one lakh from his discretionary fund to the organising committee.
In his presidential address, Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing prayed that the Kut festival may strengthen the bond of love and fraternity among different communities of the state.
The Kut function was also attended by MP Thangso Baite, Ministers, MLAs, top officials of civil administration and police.
As usual, Miss Kut contest was the main attraction of the Kut festival in the evening although cultural programmes and musical extravaganza added more spirit and flavour to the festival.
In Chandel district, the Kut festival was celebrated at Khulmi ground, Molnoi under the theme ‘A moment to forgive and forget where the young and old, rich and poor waltz in merriment’.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Chandel A/C MLA Thangkholun Haokip remarked that Kut festival provides the perfect platform to show the culture and tradition of different ethnic groups.
Observing that Kut festival is based on cultural tradition, he highlighted the need to look into the requirements of cultural troupes.
Ex-Minister DK Korungthang wished that the festival may bring peace and well-being to all the people of Manipur.
Taking part in the Kut celebration as a host, Chandel DC Dillip observed that the underlying essence of Kut is ‘work hard for happier tomorrow’. He also pledged to carry on development works in Chandel district under the same principle.
Noting that a job-card holder of NREGS could not earn more than Rs 7000 in a year, the DC asserted that more incomes can be generated if large scale plantation programmes are taken up under the scheme.
He said that necessary measures have been initiated to take up plantation works in the hill areas.
Wabagai A/C MLA Usham Deben also attended the function as president.
SP Chandel, district level officers, village chiefs and social workers were also present at the celebration whose main features were presentation of cultural dances and music by different cultural troupes.
Source: The Sangai Express