Kut Festival celebrated in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 1 (UNI) The Kut festival, a post-harvest festival of the Kuki Chin Mizo groups of Manipur, was celebrated today with pomp and splendour.

Hundreds of people thronged the Manipur Rifles ground here to participate in the main function where cultural programmes of various Kuki Chin Mizo tribes were organised.

The day has been declared a holiday by the state government to celebrate the post harvesting festival.

Governor Gurbhachan Jagat, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, Cabinet ministers, MLAs and senior civil and police Officers participated in the programme to enjoy the colourful festival.

The Governor said the festival symbolises gratitude, compassion and gaiety. It also provides a platform to people cutting across the barriers of caste, creed and religion to make a sincere introspection of their own thoughts and values.

''Let the Kut 2008, spread the message of peace, harmony, brotherhood compassion and forgiveness and usher in peaceful co-existence in Manipur,'' he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Ibobi Singh said spirit of Kut was all about sharing and understanding harmonious co-existence, co-operation and merriment.

''The best way to celebrate festivals like Kut is to strive for building a harmonious society and work for strengthening the bond of amity,'' he added.

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