Hmar winter fest celebrated in NC Hills, Karbi Anglong

GUWAHATI, Jan 10 — Along with the rest of the Hmar people-inhabited places of the country, the Sikpui Ruoi Festival, 2001 (Hmar Winter Festival) was celebrated in the two hill districts of NC Hills and Karbi Anglong on December 5. The silence of the cool misty morning was shattered by pleasant sound of traditional musical instruments and songs played by the young boys and girls mingled with the laughter of joy and merriment on that day. The festival was celebrated with much fanfare and gaiety at following places of Haflong area:

Muolhoi: In Muolhoi, Sikpui Ruoi Festival, 2001 was held at Muolhoi Community Hall Complex under the aegis of Sikpui Ruoi celebration Committee 2001, headed by Sri Neisang Khawzol, president, Muolhoi Village Committee. Sri GC Langthasa, Ministry of Social Forestry, HAD, etc, and Sri Syed I Hussain, DC, NC Hills graced the occasion as chief guest and guest of honour respectively. The day-long celebration began with a prayer by Rev LS Khwbung and unfurling of the tri-colour Sikpui flag by the ‘Sikpui Pa’ (sheriff of the Sikpui Festival), Sri Tlunga Joute (86), who is the seniormost citizen of the village. Vice-president of Muolhoi Village Committee, elder HL Sanga Neingaite delivered a welcome speech in which he welcomed each and everyone to enjoy the festival in the rest of spirit. True to his words, the next programme saw young boys and girls presenting folk dance to the tune of traditional songs and music in their colourful attire. The spectacular show of the day was ‘Hmar civilisation show’ in which attires starting from the Stone Age era to the latest designer wear mingled with a rich traditional touch. This civilisation show sent a deep message that when development of civilisation reaches a saturation point, the golden path of culture begins. And this cultural revolution leads people across ethical borders and enables them to enter the arena of development, peace and universal brotherhood. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Langthasa said that the Hmars being a major constituent tribes district since time immemorial should continue giving more effort for the all-round development of the district keeping in mind that they are one of the most important part which lubricate the machine of peace, progress and stability of the district. Sri Hussain spoke about his amazement at the elaborate programme of the festival not to be missed by one and all. He also wished that the Sikpui Roui Festival should be held at Haflong DSA ground from next year when every citizen of the district can enjoy and see the rich colourful cultural and traditional heritage of the Hmars. The day’s programmes included quizes, solo singing competition, essay writing, cultural dance competition, etc.

The evening programme saw young boys and girls vying for the prestigious Sikpui King and Queen Crowns. For some beauty may lie on in physical features, such as rosy cheeks, coral lips, banana thighs and so on. But for the Sikpui King and Queen Contest 2001, true beauty lies not only in physical features but also in heart, mind and soul. Beating all the aspirants to the prestigious title Lalnunpar Darngwan was crowned as Miss Sikpui Queen, 2001 by the reigning Miss Sikpui, Zonunsang Faihreim. Elizabeth Sungte was adjudged first runner-up and Judith Hrangchal, the second runner-up. In the Sikpui King, 2001 section, the coveted crown went to David Thiek. The first and second runners-up went to Joseph Darngawan and Donthang respectively. The Miss and Mister Sikpui, 2001 also went to Zarzomawi Parate and Lalrochan Inbuon respectively. In between breaks, the evening programme saw some budding artistes on performing on the stage and making crowd crying for more of their songs and music. The evening programme came to an end with a vote of thanks from the village president and closing prayer by elder Zingpu Intoate.

Mahur: In Mahur town, Sikpui Ruoi Festival was celebrated with full enthusiasm accompanied by traditional songs, dances, sports, etc. Sri GC Langthasa, minister graced the occasion as chief guest and unveiled the Sikpui Ruoi stone. It is worth mentioning that the chief guest, though a minister, had to run from Muolhoi village to Mahur on the same morning, which shows his keen interest and sincerity for the overall development of the district.