Kukis of Nagaland celebrate Mimkut festival in Dimapur

The 10th Mimkut mini-Hornbill festival of the Kuki community began on January 16 at Phaipijang village, Dimapur with Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang being invited as the special guest for the inaugural programme.
Organised by the Kuki Inpi Nagaland and the Phaipijang Village Council; and sponsored by the Nagaland State Tourism Department, the two-day festival held under the theme, ‘unity through culture’ will culminate on January 17.
Regarded as a post-harvest festival of the Kukis, Mimkut is originally celebrated for a week every year during the month of January and derived from the word ‘Mim’ meaning Job’s tears signaling a bountiful harvest.
In his address to the gathering, the DC of Dimapur appreciated the rich culture of the Kukis and regarded ‘culture’ as an inseparable part of a people’s identity. He mentioned that the government’s initiative of organising mini-hornbill festivals across the State has greatly helped in promoting the cultural heritage of Nagaland. Along with this, he noted the up-scale in the way such events are being held through new innovative ideas brought forth by the contributions of the youths.
In regard to the Kuki community, Chang admired the support and enthusiasm, along with taking part in dances during the celebration of their festival which is unique to them alone.
Due to which, he urged upon the people to continue in preserving their traditions for generations to come.
Various cultural dance and special numbers were performed on the first day of Mimkut which included, dance displays by Molvom cultural troupe, Maova cultural troupe, Phaipijang cultural troupe, Khaibung, Kuki Union Dimapur, Bungsang and Kuki Union Chümoukedima cultural troupes.
Shorts speeches were also delivered by L Singsit, IPS (retired), President, Kuki Inpi Nagaland and Thangkhokai Gangte, General Secretary, Kuki Inpi Nagaland.
The second day of the festival will also witness a cultural competition and will be graced by Advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department, Zhaleo Rio.