Agartala: The vibrant Chapchar Kût festival, a hallmark of Mizo culture and traditions, was celebrated with grandeur at Vanghmun playground in Jampui Hill, North Tripura, on Tuesday. Organized with support from the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Government of Tripura, the festival showcased the rich heritage of the Mizo community.
Dressed in traditional Mizo attire, participants of all ages adorned feathered headdresses, jewelry, and symbolic weapons, adding to the visual spectacle. The event featured electrifying performances by Mizo singers, followed by a series of traditional dances, with the renowned Cheraw (bamboo dance) captivating the audience. Female dancers exhibited remarkable agility, synchronizing their movements with the rhythmic clapping of bamboo sticks by male performers.
A major highlight of the festival was the Khuangchawi, where a young man was paraded in a bamboo sedan chair, recreating the historical tradition of Mizo chieftains being celebrated after a victorious hunt.
Beyond music and dance, the festival included traditional games, a photography exhibition by the Zampui Photographers Society, a poetry competition by the Zampui Literary Society, and various other cultural activities aimed at preserving and promoting Mizo heritage.
Chapchar Kût originated from an ancient tradition when young hunters returned empty-handed from an expedition, prompting the village chief to organize a grand feast to uplift their spirits. Over time, it has evolved into a celebration of community, resilience, and cultural pride.
The Mizo Convention of Tripura has long appealed to the state government to declare Chapchar Kût as an official restricted holiday, a proposal currently under consideration.
Read More: Guwahati: Massive Forest Fire Ravages Joyguru Hills in Amingaon, Homes Destroyed