HAFLONG, Jan 17 ? The Nulding Kut Festival of Renewal of Life was celebrated here at Fiangpui play ground, Haflong on January 11 2003 with great enthusiasm. The festival was organised by the Nul-Ding Kut Celebration Committee, 2003. Nul-ding Kut is one of the many festivals of the Biate tribe, and has been celebrated since time immemorial. The importance and the significance of the festival regarded as the ?festival of renewal of life? and it is the most revered festival being celebrated by the Biate community every year.
In the old days, their ancestors used to celebrate this festival during the early part of January every year on different dates in different villages. The ancient people considered this festival as a symbol of the beginning of a new year. The people observed this remarkable day by offering religious rites followed by social functions like performance of cultural dance, singing of folk songs, drinking of liquor and various kinds of merry-making. The people of old age, especially the women folk dressed themselves in their colourful customary attire. A village, thus wore a festive look on the day. People also indulged themselves in playing games and sport of various kinds all the day-long. The enjoyed it as the beginning of a new life of the new year. Before they start new activities of life like cultivation, construction of dwelling houses etc. they celebrate the festival also as to renew their strength and determination before they enter the new year. The people are supposed to forgive and forget their shortcomings, sorrow and discontentment arising out of their past deeds. Hence, the occasion is also regarded as a day of forgiveness.
Another important feature of this festival is that it is also celebrated as a day of prayer. Led by the village priest, people assemble together in one place and pray to god wholeheartedly and with all humility and sanctity for the forgiveness of their past sins and errors. They also seek kindness and blessings from the God for their prosperity in the coming year. In this way, the people renew their faith and commitment before God on that day. Yet, another interesting feature of this festivals is that the elderly people met together in the house of the village chief (Siarkalim) and hold a village durbar meeting (Devan). There they sit down around a pitsher full of home-made liquor (ZU). They suck the liquor one after another sharing a single bamboo pipe (Thlongthli) while they discuss all about their agricultural activities, fishing, art of hunting and the administration of the village.
Similarly, the youths of the village also have a filed day during this festival. Young men and women are let outdoors by their parents because of the variety programmes they have to accomplish on that day. As a result, the youths are able to mix-up together, meet and talk face to face to one another and avail a rare opportunity for choosing their would-be life partners. Following the footsteps of their forefathers the Biate with its present day generation also celebrates Nul-ding Kut as a reminder of their ancestors and their simple life. In this connection, meeting was also held with N Langthasa, EM/NCHAC as the chief guest, T Nampui, EM/NCHAC as the chief host while HS Sandhu, Co, 5/Garhwal Rifles (Hill) and members of several organisations attended as the guests of honour.