The first Kamo Hau Cultural Festival 2018 is underway at Phalang village under Phungyar Sub-division in Manipur’s Kamjong district.
The festival is held under the aegis of Kano Hau Arts and Cultural Organization. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Our Land, Our Culture.’
Forest and Environment minister Thaounaojam Shyamkumar was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the five-day day festival on Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Minister Shyamkumar who holds Town Planning and Horticulture and Soil Conservation portfolios, stressed on the need for preserving the age old traditional culture both in the hills and valley. He said peace will prevail if traditional culture is preserved.
He assured the villagers that he will intimate the Chief Minister regarding the poor road conditions and lack of infrastructural development in the area.
Stating that the practice of Jhum cultivation has been affecting environment in the State, he promised to take up possible steps to provide alternative livelihood means to the cultivators after consulting the village chiefs and village authorities. He said that he will visit the village within April 16 to take up development works under his departments. He said to bring development the State Government needs cooperation from public.
In his speech, Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing stressed on the importance and need to preserve the traditional culture of respective communities in the State. He said the age old traditional culture of our forefathers need preservation as it will be passed on to the younger generation.
Traditional Tangkhul dance and other entertainment were the main highlights of the day’s inaugural function which was attended by the District level officers, officials and staff of Forest and Horticulture and Soil Conservation Departments, village headman and representatives of different village.