Celebration of Mimkut festival at Maova village culminated on January 17, marked by the unveiling of Mimkut monolith by the Special Guest, I Himato Zhimomi, IFS, Principal Secretary Geology and Mining, P&NG, Science and Technology in the presence of Chief Host, L Singsit IPS (Rtd), President Kuki Inpi Nagaland, ADC Medziphema, P James Swu , Government officials , village leaders and general public. The monolith was dedicated by Rev. David Vaiphei, Executive Secretary KCCNS.
The Special guest expressed his honour and thanked God for the wonderful opportunity to graced the occasion. He lauded the Kuki community and the organizing committee for successfully conducting the 2-days Mimkit festival by showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The Special guest also emphasized the significance of celebrating Mimkut festival, and recalled the long standing relationship between the Kuki community, the first MLA Lamkam and his father Ihezhe Zhimomi, Ex Minister dating back to 1964. He also emphasized the importance of preserving and strengthening this relationship in the years to come.
He appeared to the community to preserve the land emphasizing that it holds significant economic and environmental value. He further pointed out that the land is strategically located touching the four-lane highway as well as the new railway-line, making it extremely important for sustainable development.
He urged the community to utilize the land judiciously and wished the Kuki community for peace and prosperity through the festival.
The second day of the Mimkut featured activities like gosem display, cultural dance display by Molvom, Kuki community Medziphema town, Zhuikhu village, Kuki union and Khaibung.
Nekhomang Hansing and Chongboi Singson compered the programme. Invocation was proposed by Rev. Seimang Haokip, Executive Secretary, KCCNS, welcome address by L . Singsit IPS (Rtd), President Kin, a vote of thanks by Lulen Kholhou and a closing prayer by pastor Ngambom Hansing, KBC Maova.
Col Kartik Thapa, Commanding officer, 22nd Assam Rifles with chief host, P James Swu, ADC Medziphema and other officials during Mimkut festival on January 16
It may be mentioned that the 12th state level Mimkut Mini Hornbill festival, commenced on January 16 at Maova Village, organized by Kuki Inpi Nagaland and sponsored by the Tourism Department, Government of Nagaland.
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Addressing the gathering on the inaugural day, Special Guest, Col Kartik Thapa, Commanding officer, 22nd Assam Rifles expresses his gratitude for inviting him to be the Chief Guest in the important festival. He also expressed his joy for the love shown to him by the Kuki community was a lifelong friendship which began from Kangkokpi.
Elaborating on the significance of Mimkut Festival, he said he was extremely happy to see the age old traditions and customs that is preserved and celebrated till this day in this Mimkut festival. He also urged the Kuki community to preserve the importance of culture and tradition and teach the younger generation to know the essence of culture and tradition. He also highlighted the importance of Mimkut festival, and the opportunity to know why this festival is celebrated and the need to preserve this culture and tradition.
Wishing the Kuki community prosperity and happiness, the Chief Guest thanked them for their active participation and organizing it so beautifully.
Col Kartik Thapa also inaugurated 9 (Nine) exhibition stalls set up by the various Kuki villages.
Chief Host, P James Swu, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Medziphema speaking at the occasion thanked the Kuki community and Tourism Department for sponsoring this festival and giving him the opportunity to speak on this auspicious day. He highlighted the importance of preserving the cultural values and promoting it in our generation.
He emphasized the importance of celebrating the Mimkut festival which exhibits ethnic culture to be preserved and promoted. He also urged the Kuki community to bring out the best from this Mimkut Mini hornbill festival: strengthening cultural identity with the true meaning of the festival and to carry forward to educate the younger generation about our culture with love and peace.
The celebration on Day 1 started with an invocation from Lalkholen Lunkim, Head Deacon CRC Maova. Highlights of the Mimkut Mini Hornbill were: indigenous game competitions, KUT traditional songs, cultural dance display by various Kuki colonies and villages namely; Bungsang CT, Phaipijang, Socunoma Villages, Sirhima, Kuki Union Chumukedima. Special number was also presented by Jangminthang Lunkim and Prescilla Singson.
Welcome address was delivered by L Singsit, IPS (RTD) & President KIN, vote of thanks was delivered by Khupminthang Hansing, Joint Secy. KIN and a closing prayer by Lunmang Lunkim, Head Deacon Maova.
The evening programme featured activities like Mimkut Icon and Mimkut Super Dancer. The first day of Mimkut Mini hornbill witnessed around 1500 people.
