Dibrugarh: The Kuki-Zo community in Dibrugarh and adjoining areas celebrated Chavang Kut on November 1, marking the harvest festival with traditional performances, prayers and community gatherings at the TAI Educational and Cultural Centre (Ahom Bhavan) in Boiragimoth.
The celebration was organised under the theme, “Let Us Take Pride in Our Past, Celebrate Who We Are Today and Work Together to Build a Brighter Tomorrow.”
Chavang Kut is an annual harvest festival celebrated on November 1 by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities of Northeast India. Traditionally associated with jhum cultivation, the festival marks the completion of the harvest season and is an occasion to express gratitude to the Almighty for the year’s harvest and blessings.
The festival traditionally includes folk songs and dances, indigenous games, cultural performances and community feasts. Historically, celebrations continued for two to three days, allowing people to rest after months of agricultural work. The occasion also provided opportunities for younger members of the community to display their talents and sporting abilities, as well as for social interaction.
Chavang Kut is observed as a State Restricted Holiday in Assam and a General/Public Holiday in Manipur on November 1. The festival was first organised in Dibrugarh in 2006.
The 2026 celebration was hosted by Pu P. Thangsuanhau Phiamphu and inaugurated by Kut-Pa Pu Lianbel Vaiphei. The programme began with an opening prayer by Pastor Joseph Thangew of KWS Dibrugarh, followed by a devotional service and a condolence session led by Pu P. Chongloi, chairman of KWS.
Sangboi Doungel and Jampu Guite, chairman and secretary of the Kut Celebration Committee, respectively, delivered the welcome address and felicitated the dignitaries.
The chief guest, Pi N. Boisi Misao, Regional Director (in-charge) of the Directorate of Training and National Vocational Education and Training (DTNBWED), Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, thanked the organisers for inviting her to the event.
Emphasising the importance of unity, she said, “We are second to none in all spheres of life; we only need to be united.”
Guest of Honour Pu Letson Chongloi, Chief Manager of the State Bank of India, said such celebrations bring community members together and provide an opportunity to preserve and promote traditional customs and cultural heritage, particularly among younger generations.
Lamkholal Doungel, Advisor to Kuki Inpi Assam and Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at DHSK College, Dibrugarh, presided over the programme. In his address, he urged the community to remain united and exercise discernment in the face of divisive narratives.
He cautioned against allowing differences promoted by sections of the leadership for political or personal interests to undermine the community’s collective interests. He also stressed the need for a shared vision and commitment to preserving the community’s identity and heritage.
Other speakers included P. C. Tuboi and Pi Maya Kuki, who shared their views and extended greetings on the occasion.
The cultural programme featured musical performances by Nu Hatshi Lhungdim, Nu Unice Sitlhou, Julie Lupheng and Nu Hetin Haokip. The Duliajan and Dibrugarh Cultural Troupes presented traditional performances, while Dibrugarh Kids took part in a traditional attire presentation. A representative of Mizo Welfare, Dibrugarh, also conveyed the organisation’s greetings.
The second session featured solo and group dances, musical performances and cultural presentations by the Duliajan Women Cultural Troupe, Dibrugarh Junior Girls and other participating groups. A traditional couple show and a 1990s-themed dance presentation by the Duliajan team were also part of the programme.
The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks by Pa Jangkhogin Haokip and a closing prayer by Pa Seikholen Lhungdim, followed by a traditional feast.