Chandel, October 24: Chavan Kumhrin, the annual Harvest Festival of the Anal community, was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Thungcheng Village in the Western Valley of Chandel District on Thursday.
Organized by the Western Valley Area Sinnu Ruwl (WVASR) under the theme “Bring the best of the first fruits to the Lord your God,” the festival brought together a large gathering of community members, church leaders, social workers, student leaders, and women leaders from various villages in the region.
H.L. Lovingson served as the Functional President, while Pastor Molun and Kt. Hari attended as special guests. Other invitees included several social workers and youth leaders.
Delivering the chief guest’s address, Sng. Mohelas, Port Administrator, Moreh (Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India), emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the unique Anal Naga identity and culture. He stated, “Our culture defines our identity, and losing our culture means losing who we are.” He further encouraged the community to promote cultural values through education and collective participation in such traditional festivals.
Rev. K.L. Tangthu, Executive Secretary, ANBA, expressed gratitude to God for enabling the community to organize the festival successfully. He urged everyone to uphold and preserve their traditional values and cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
The celebration featured a wide range of cultural performances, including special songs by Juwlbangching Sinnu Ruwl, Beru Khudam Sinnu Ruwl, and Thungcheng Sinnu Ruwl, along with folk songs, youth cultural dances, and choreographies presented by children from the Children’s Caring Home, Unopat.
It was noted that harvest festivals similar to Chavan Kumhrin are also celebrated among other Naga tribes of Chandel District, including the Lamkang’s Chavan Kumren, Moyon’s Buwren Peh, Chothe’s Shabu Hong Reen, and Monsang’s Bawhrin Esha, each marking their thanksgiving traditions in their respective villages.
The event concluded with a spirit of unity, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Western Valley community.
(By Our Correspondent)
