A Correspondent
Haflong: Sikpui Ruoi, one of the important festivals of the Hmars, was celebrated on Wednesday in the villages of Dima Hasao where Hmar people live. In Muolhoi village, Sikpui Ruoi celebration was organized by Muolhoui Village Committee at Muolhoi playground. State HAD Minister Sum Ronghang graced the occasion as the chief guest while Chief Executive Member, NC Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa was the guest of honour.
Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner Amitabh Rajkhowa, Executive Members of NCHAC Kulendra Daulagupu and ST Jen Hrangkhol also attended the celebration. MAC, NCHAC H. Hlima Keivom was the chief host. Speaking on the occasion, minister Ronghang said that he was happy to see that tribal people were trying to preserve their rich culture and tradition.
NCHAC CEM Gorlosa said, “We the tribal people should always try to preserve and protect our rich culture and tradition.” Sikpui Ruoi is the foremost among the festivals of the Hmars. It is observed during the winter season when all work in the field as well as at home is more or less completed. The festival is organized for a fortnight and may even extend to a month-long celebration. During that time there will be singing of songs and community dancing every night. It is a festival marking peace and all-round prosperity and therefore elaborate preparations are needed.
If there is any serious sickness or bereavement in the village during the year, the festival is postponed for the next year. Hence it is not possible to organize the festival every year. Because of this, people expectantly look forward to Sikpui Ruoi whenever it is organized.
The day was also celebrated as the silver jubilee of the government recognition of the Sikpui Ruoi festival. December 5 was declared a local holiday by the N C Hills Autonomous Council in 1993. During the celebration, a souvenir was also released by NCHAC CEM, Debolal Gorlosa.
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