Tourism Minister Pi Lalrinpuii Inaugurates Leitlangpui Music Festival

November : The Leitlangpui Music Festival, scheduled to run until the evening of November 16, 2024, commenced today at Kawmzawl, Pukpui, Lunglei, with an inauguration by Mizoram Tourism Minister Pi Lalrinpuii.

During her opening address, Minister Pi Lalrinpuii emphasized the longstanding tradition of the Mizoram Tourism Department in organizing various festivals to enrich the cultural experiences of the people. She shared that the department is now restructuring its approach to festival management, aiming to make events more accessible and relevant to the public by outsourcing through tender processes instead of internal handling. The festival is named “Leitlangpui Music Festival” to reflect its broader appeal, inspired by the historic “Serkawn Concert” from the 1930s, when Zosap missionary Pu HW Carter helped popularize Mizoram’s cultural expressions through music and storytelling.

Minister Pi Lalrinpuii emphasized that the success of the festival depends not only on government efforts but also on active participation from the local community, highlighting that true local engagement can prevent outside influence from diluting Mizo identity. She encouraged local artists, musicians, and storytellers to share their talents, emphasizing that the Leitlangpui Music Festival could serve as a launching platform for Mizo performers both domestically and globally, which in turn would attract more tourists to the region.

In line with this, Brighter Co. & BBY Animals Event Management Team, awarded the contract through a tender process, has taken the lead in organizing the festival. The Minister expressed gratitude to the Lunglei District DC, the Organizing Committee, and other officials for their committed efforts in planning the festival.

At the inauguration, Organising Secretary and LMC Chief Executive Officer Pu Donny Lalruatsanga extended thanks to the Mizoram government for its continuous support of the Leitlangpui Festival, highlighting its role in fostering cultural appreciation. He stressed that in times of both joy and hardship, the people of Mizoram unite through the power of music, which the Leitlangpui Music Festival celebrates by showcasing young talent and seasoned musicians alike.

The inauguration also featured remarks by BCM General Secretary Rev. Dr. R. Lalbiakliana and Tourism Director Pi R. Lalrodingi. Throughout the festival, stalls offer local food, crafts, and souvenirs. The program includes a band contest at noon on November 15, followed by a concert in the afternoon, with another concert scheduled for November 16 at 2 PM.