Newmai News Network | February 17 Thounaojam Shyamkumar, Manipur Minister of Horticulture & Soil Conservation and Forest & Environment, attended the second day of the ‘Luira Phanit’ celebrated under the theme ‘Luithot Yameisa’ at the Mission Ground Alungthang, Hunphun town, Ukhrul today. Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Minister Th. Shyamkumar appreciated the organisers for celebrating the festival with pomp and gaiety, preserving the age old traditional culture of the community. He said the festival will further strengthen the bond of the people through participation in various events which includes traditional games, folk dance and folk songs. Luira Phanit is the traditional seed sowing festival of the Tangkhul community. Hundreds of locals from the Tangkhul community, both young and old attend the celebration in their traditional attire with great enthusiasm. 27 localities of Hunphun town compete in different events including traditional games, folk dance and folk songs as part of the festival and young girls will compete for the ‘Miss Hunphun Luira 2018’ title on the last day of the festival tomorrow. Alfred Kanngam Arthur, MLA Ukhrul Assembly Constituency, Khashim Vashum, MLA Chingai Assembly Constituency, M Ashnikumar Singh, Vice Chairman of Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency (MIDA), HA Vareishang, Ukhrul ADC member also graced the function. ‘Virgin dance' or ‘La khanganui’ was the highlight of the function today.
