Kut festival celebrated in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 1 (UNI) The Kut festival was today celebrated throughout Manipur with customary colour and verve.

Cultural programmes, parades and songs were part of the festival.

The celebration committee, however, said Miss Kut contest, scheduled to be held this evening, was cancelled.

Militant outfit Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) has urged the ban to Miss Kut contest saying that it affected traditional celebrations of the festival.

Governor Dr SS Sidhi said Kut, a post harvest festival of Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups, is celebrated as a thankgiving to God for bountiful harvest and it symbolises compassion, gaiety and gratefulness.

He said the occasion provides a unique opportunity to the people, irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Chief Minister O Ibobi said, ''The festival is all about sharing, understanding and harmonious co-existence. It provides a platform to expose the rich cultural heritage of Chin-Kuki-Mizo people.

The state government has announced state holiday on this ocassion.

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