Mizoram is all decked up to celebrate Mim Kut festival, a cherished
time when people honour and remember departed loved ones but waned away long
time ago “after the introduction of Christianity to Mizoram”.
Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Minister Lalrinawma has urged the
public to come together in remembrance of their dearly departed as part of the
festival’s commemoration.
The day will also be marked by activities such as cleaning and
decorating the graves of loved ones, along with volunteer efforts by NGOs to
clean unmarked graves and community graveyards.
The official program is set to be held at Vanapa Hall, with many other programs taking place in individual homes throughout the State, on September 29. The celebration will be held for the first time since it became a State.
Mim Kut is a festival deeply rooted in Mizo culture and tradition.
Historically, it was observed after the maize crop harvest as a way to
grieve and remember those who had passed away.
An official from the government highlighted that when the missionaries
arrived, they discouraged certain aspects of Mizo culture, deeming them
contradictory to Christian beliefs.
Nevertheless, there is now a renewed interest in embracing and
preserving these cultural traditions, as people recognize the value of their
festivals.
“After the introduction of Christianity to Mizoram, many cherished
Mizo traditions and ways of life were gradually abandoned, leading to
significant transformations in the people’s daily lives. There was a prevailing
belief that Christianity and these traditional practices were incompatible, and
as a result, our rich heritage began to wane, particularly among the younger
generations,” said the official.
The official added, “However, a new generation of educated youth is
now emerging, recognizing the profound significance of our cultural festivals.
This resurgence of cultural pride and awareness among the youth has prompted
the Social Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department to celebrate the
long-forgotten Mim Kut festival, while harmonizing it with Christian beliefs.”
Minister Lalrinawma elucidated that while the key focus of the
festival is presently on the people of the State, they are considering the
potential for tourism development in the long run.
To facilitate the celebration of Mim Kut festival, the Social
Welfare & Tribal Affairs Department secured a grant of Rs 20 lakh from the
Centre.
Offerings included visits to graves, wine made from rice, fresh
vegetables, maize, maize bread, handmade symbolic jewellery, and traditional
singing, dancing, and music performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage
of the Mizo people.
