Mizoram Celebrates Chapchar Kut Festival in Aizawl

Aizawl, March 2026: The main celebration of the traditional Chapchar Kut was held today at the Aizawl ground with Lalduhoma attending as the chief host of the festival. C. Lalsawivunga served as the host of the event, while V. K. Singh was also present at the celebration.

The theme for this year’s Chapchar Kut was “Zo Nun Ze Mawi – Inremna,” which highlights the beauty of the Zo way of life and harmony among people.

The Chapchar Kut celebrations this year were organised over a week. The festivities began on March 9 with the traditional Kut Tlan ceremony. Several cultural and exhibition events were organised throughout the week, including a Handloom, Textile and Handicraft Exhibition, Food Processing and Food Court, Flower Show, Living Museum demonstrating traditional Mizo lifestyle, photo and painting exhibitions, and screenings of films related to Chapchar Kut. The grand celebration took place today as the highlight of the week-long festival.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Lalduhoma extended greetings to people of Zo communities living across the world and wished everyone a joyful celebration. He said that in earlier times, ancestors celebrated Chapchar Kut with happiness and unity, avoiding disputes and using the festival as a time for reconciliation and harmony. He noted that the theme “Zo Nun Ze Mawi – Inremna” perfectly reflects the spirit of the festival.

The Chief Minister emphasised that reconciliation and harmony were highly valued by traditional leaders and elders. He explained that the spirit of reconciliation comes from the courage to accept responsibility and acknowledge mistakes. Admitting one’s faults instead of blaming others often leads to understanding and peace, he said, urging people to renew their commitment to responsibility and unity.

He also advised people to be careful while posting comments on social media so that harmony within society is not disturbed. Political disagreements, he said, should not lead to hostility, as the culture of the Mizo community values respect and friendship even after debates or disagreements.

Art and Culture Minister C. Lalsawivunga welcomed the gathering and wished the participants a joyful celebration. Young Mizo Association President R. Lalngheta also addressed the event, expressing happiness that the community could once again celebrate the festival together and urging people to strengthen unity and cultural pride.

During the festival, the Chief Minister presented Special Honour Awards to five individuals for their contributions to society. The awardees were Esther Hnamte, an artist from Lunglei; Lalhmingmawii of Chaltlang, a renowned painter and recipient of several awards; Henry Lalhmingmuana, a rickshaw driver from Lawngtlai who returned ₹17 lakh left behind by a passenger; V. L. Bela of Electric Veng for his work in wildlife conservation and education; and John Lalrinchhana Jahau, an entrepreneur from Khuangleng.

Each awardee received ₹1 lakh in cash and a citation. This year marks the first time such honour awards were presented during Chapchar Kut celebrations.

The event also included awards for cleanliness competitions and the Chief Minister’s Special Award under the Mizoram Bana Kaih initiative. Cultural performances were a major highlight, including the famous Cheraw bamboo dance, Khuallam dance, traditional songs, folk games, and theatrical performances. Cultural troupes from Meghalaya and Sikkim, representing the North East Zone Cultural Centre, also showcased their traditional dances, adding to the festive spirit of the celebration.