Aizawl, Jan 21: Mizoram’s traditional Chapchar Kut festival, one of the state’s largest cultural celebrations, will begin on March 9 with a week-long programme, officials said on Tuesday after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
The celebrations will open on March 9 with the customary ‘Kut Run’, during which the Central Young Mizo Association will provide T-shirts to participants, continuing a long-standing tradition. On March 10, exhibitions showcasing handlooms, textiles and handicrafts will be held, along with a food court and flower show. These events will take place at Aijal Club, with the main venue to be finalised soon.
Painting and photo exhibitions, along with a film screening, are scheduled for March 11 at Vanapa Hall. The Information and Public Relations Department will also organise the Lianchhiri Run in Aizawl on the same day. On March 11 and 12, a living museum highlighting Mizo cultural heritage will be set up at Zokhua in Falkawn village, around 15 km from Aizawl.
The main programme will be held on March 13 at 10:30 am at Lammual ground. Chief Minister Lalduhoma will serve as ‘Kut Pa’ (festival father), while Art and Culture Minister C Lalsawivunga will be the ‘Kut thlengtu’ (host). The organisers have announced that the festival will be observed as a garbage-free event, appealing to participants to maintain cleanliness.
The theme for this year’s Chapchar Kut is “Zo nun ze mawi – Inremna” (Mizo code of ethics – Peace). The Chief Minister’s Trophy, carrying a cash award of Rs 1 lakh along with a citation and memento, will also be presented. Similar celebrations will be organised across other parts of Mizoram.
Chapchar Kut is traditionally linked to jhum cultivation and marks the completion of forest clearing and burning before sowing. The festival is believed to have originated about 500 years ago in Suaipui village near present-day Myanmar. Though it was discouraged in the late 19th century by Christian missionaries, it was revived in 1973 without animistic rituals or alcohol. Over the years, Chapchar Kut has become a major attraction for tourists from India and abroad.
