The first ever two-day King Chilli festival kicked off at the tiny remote village in Manipur’s Tamenglong district. It concludes on Sunday evening.
The festival venue is located at Chaengdai village, located about 125 km west of Imphal under Tamenglong district which is one of the largest producers of King Chilli known as U-Morok in local tongue in the north eastern state.
Locals said the then Maharaj Devendra Singh’s beloved prince died at the Chaengdai village in 1850.
U-Morok eating competition, pole climbing, displaying traditional cloths, camping and plantation of the trees around the village besides buying and selling activities of the U-Morok were the main highlights of the festival.
It was organized for the first time in an effort to promote the chilli varieties in the region apart from exposing the hidden beauties of Manipur hill villages.
Displaying the red hot U-Morok for exhibition and sale, altogether eleven stalls participated in the two day festival.
King chilli growers Mariam Gangmei, Singuiliu and Gaikhuiliu bagged the first, second and third prizes during the best U-Morok competition which was scrutinized by subject matter specialists Home Kangjam, Gaipuichung Kamei, Kolom Rabi and PS Lavid of Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Senapati and Tamenglong.
Chairman Namsinrei Panmei of Autonomous District Council (ADC) Tamenglong Vice chairman SG Pamei of ADC Tamenglong and Chief medical officer Dr Chambo Gonmei of Tamenglong were present as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively during its inaugural function held on Saturday.
ADC member Pouhotlung Panmei, former ADC member Keikhumjanang,former Chief Executive Officer of ADC Tamenglong, RK Ragaisin and chairman and secretaries of the neighbouring villages also attended the event.
A medical camp was also held at Primary Health Sub-Centre located at the village.