HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 1: The 37th Kuki Chavang Kut 2025 was celebrated with enthusiasm and cultural fervour at Songpijang, near Haflong, bringing alive the vibrant spirit of unity and tradition. The festival, marking the post-harvest season of the Kuki community, is observed across Dima Hasao district and in Kuki-inhabited regions across India and abroad.
Celebrated annually on November 1, Chavang Kut—meaning “Autumn Festival”—is a day of thanksgiving and merriment following the harvest. Recognised as a local holiday in Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, and a restricted holiday across Assam, the festival holds deep cultural and social significance for the Kuki people.
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While the central celebration in Karbi Anglong took place at Manja, Dima Hasao witnessed village-level events organised under the guidance of the Kuki Inpi Assam (KIA), the apex body of the Kuki community in the state.
At Songpijang, the programme began with an invocation prayer by Rev T S Changsan, followed by a felicitation ceremony for the Chief Guest, Assam Cabinet Minister and Haflong MLA Nandita Gorlosa, who hoisted the Kut Flag amid traditional chants and applause.
The celebration featured colorful cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of the Kuki community. Guest performer Lhainunnom Thangew added a contemporary touch with melodious modern songs.
Speaking on the festival’s theme, Rev Dr Siehjalam Doungel reflected on the values of Kuki forefathers and urged the youth to preserve their cultural identity while being responsible citizens. He emphasised unity, integrity and faith as guiding principles.
Nandita Gorlosa praised the organisers and highlighted the Kuki community’s achievements in education and administration. As Minister for Youth and Sports, she encouraged young people to pursue athletics and assured government and parental support for nurturing talent.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Upa Sehlak Lenthang, Assistant Secretary of the village, ending a day filled with tradition, joy and togetherness.
The 37th Kuki Chavang Kut celebrated not only the community’s cultural legacy but also reaffirmed their unity, pride and hope for a harmonious future.
Our Dibrugarh Correspondent adds,
The 17th Upper Assam Chavang Kut was celebrated with great pomp and gaiety at the Sahitya Sabha Hall, Dibrugarh, amid much enthusiasm and cultural splendour.
Observed under the theme “Stronger Together: Honouring Our Past, Building Our Future,” the festival drew a large gathering of members of the Kuki community and well-wishers from across Upper Assam.
Pu Kaikhohao Doungel, Superintendent of Central Goods & Service Tax and Customs, attended as the Chief Guest, while Dr Bharati Dutta, retired Associate Professor of DHSK College and noted author, graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The celebration was presided over by Dr Lamkholal Doungel, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science at DHSK College and Adviser of Kuki Inpi Assam. Pu Letkhokam Vaiphei served as the Kut Pa (host) of the occasion.
The programme began with the welcoming of guests and dignitaries, followed by the formal inauguration by the Kut Pa, who extended warm Chavang Kut greetings to the gathering. In their welcome address, Pu Sangboi Doungel and Pa Jampu Guite, chairman and secretary of the Kut Celebration Committee, called upon everyone to celebrate the day in the true spirit of Kut through rejoicing, dancing and unity.
The event featured a colourful line-up of traditional dances, folk songs and modern performances that kept the audience captivated throughout the day. The programme was smoothly conducted by comperes Pa Jankhogin Haokip, Pa Mangboi Lupheng, Nungah Jefani Changsan and Gl Minlal Chongloi.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Pu Kaikhohao Doungel reminisced about traditional Chavang Kut celebrations among the Chin-Kuki-Mizo communities and stressed the importance of preserving cultural identity while adapting to modern times. Guest of Honour Dr Bharati Dutta praised the celebration’s vibrancy and cultural richness, highlighting the sense of unity and warmth it reflected.
In his presidential address, Dr Lamkholal Doungel remarked that “tradition and culture are not merely in the dress we wear, but in the spirit we nurture and pass on to the next generation.”
The festival, marking the Kukis’ harvest celebration, concluded on a joyful note with community feasting, traditional dances and a renewed spirit of unity and gratitude.
