Chapchar Kut 2026 Celebrated Traditionally and Successfully in Lunglei

Lunglei, March 2026: Chapchar Kut was celebrated in a traditional and successful manner at C. Thuamluaia Mual in Lunglei. V. Malsawmtluanga, Vice Chairman of the Lunglei High Powered Committee (HPC), served as Kut Pa (festival father/chief guest), while Navneet Mann, Lunglei District Deputy Commissioner, served as Kut Thlengtu (festival host).

Kut Pa V. Malsawmtluanga greeted all people who gathered for the festival and the residents of Lunglei district. He said that Chapchar Kut has always been celebrated together by the community with harmony, happiness and unity, and he invited the people to celebrate the festival joyfully while reflecting on its deeper meaning.

He said that because there are not many written records from the time of the ancestors, it is difficult to know the complete details of Mizo history and traditions. Therefore, the government of Mizoram, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has established the “Hnam Tobul Zawn Chhuah Committee” to help the younger generation understand the history of the Mizo people more clearly. He added that the government is making continuous efforts to discover ancient Mizo heritage and to preserve, promote and develop Mizo culture, traditions and social practices.

He also mentioned that a new District Museum building in Lunglei has recently been inaugurated at Sazaikawn. To meet staffing needs, the government is pursuing the creation of several posts such as Curator, Museum Guide, Museum Assistant, Clerical Staff and Grade-IV staff within the year.

Speaking about tourism, he said that the increasing number of visitors coming to Mizoram from other places can create livelihood opportunities. To support such initiatives, the government provides loans through the Bana Kaih (Handholding) Scheme and other programmes, while also taking steps to promote tourism development. He also noted that a “Living Museum” is organised every Saturday at Falkawn so that visitors can experience traditional Mizo life, and he encouraged young people and children to visit it to better understand their culture and traditions.

The Kut Pa further said that the Mizo ancestors preserved a beautiful way of life, marked by kindness, humility and respect for others, and avoided hurting or insulting others in speech. He urged people to continue practicing these values in neighbourhood relations, workplaces and daily life.

He encouraged the public to celebrate Chapchar Kut as a day to honour traditional culture and to learn from the good values of their ancestors, while also enjoying rest and happiness for both mind and body. He emphasised that the beauty of Zo culture—harmony, humility, kindness and respect for elders—is a valuable cultural heritage that should be preserved and practiced within families and communities.

Kut Thlengtu Navneet Mann addressed the gathering in the Mizo language and welcomed everyone celebrating Chapchar Kut. She said that India is home to many communities with different ethnicities, languages and religions, and that people must live together in harmony. Understanding differences and respecting each other are essential for harmony, she said.

She added that harmony is important for national development and encouraged people to live peacefully with people of different communities, religions, neighbourhoods, churches, organisations and families, as well as with nature and the environment.

The celebration programme in Lunglei was conducted by CMS Dawngliana, Vice President of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) Sub-Headquarters Lunglei. The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Gospelthanga, Secretary of the Southern Zone of the United Pentecostal Church. The YMA choir presented the opening song titled “Ro Min Relsak Ang Che.”

Cultural performances included the traditional Cheraw bamboo dance, performances by various YMA branches, and dances such as Chhepchher, Solakia, Sakei Lu, Tlanglam, and Khuallam, performed by groups including the Mizo Cultural Artistes Association and Mizo Cultural Organisation.

A musical concert was also organised as part of the celebration, featuring several singers including Lalsangliana (Taitea), Ruatpuii, Becky Fanai, Chama Thangluah, F. Zomuanpuia, Feli Hauhnar, H. Rosangliana, Lalenkawli Pautu, R. Lalhmangaiha, R. Lalvensanga and Vanrammawii Pautu.

Various government departments—including the District Rural Development Office (under the Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission), Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Horticulture, Commerce & Industries, Khadi & Village Industries, and Lungsen BDO—set up 27 stalls displaying products made by Self Help Groups, artisans and local producers. A Kids Zone was also arranged for children.

The Chapchar Kut Lanu (Festival Queen) and Kut Hraite (Festival Prince and Princess) for 2026 were selected by the Lunglei Photographers’ Association. Jenny Malsawmtluangi from Chanmari was crowned Chapchar Kut Lanu 2026, while Zomuansangi Tochhawng from Lunglawn was selected as Kut Hraite (Female) and S. Malsawmkima from Venghlun as Kut Hraite (Male).

The organising committee expressed gratitude to all individuals and organisations who contributed their efforts and dedication to make the Chapchar Kut celebration in Lunglei a grand success.