Imphal : Arjun Munda, Union Tribal Affairs Minister, Government of India on Wednesday attended the second day of the Hun – Thadou Cultural Festival, 2023 held under the theme ‘drug free society’ at the Thomas Ground in Kangpokpi district of Manipur.

Enthralled by the cultural performances showcased in the event, he said the cultural dances and songs performed were beautiful.Stating that Hun Festival represents the natural life process, the Minister said that if nature and germination process are kept alive then people will gain happiness in their own way.

As part of the festival, elders praying for the health, prosperity and happiness of the family is a testament that the tribal traditions are being nurtured and followed even today, he added. The Minister further said that the dedication of the tribal freedom fighters must be celebrated across the country.

The Government has allocated funds for the construction of tribal freedom fighter museum which also includes Manipur. He said the launching of Marketing and Logistics Development for Promotion of Tribal Production from North-Eastern Region (PTP-NER) yesterday will surely help the tribal population of the region.

He said Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) are constructed with an aim to give quality education to the students so that in the future these students can compete in any competitive examinations and excel in their life. He also spoke in length regarding ongoing developmental programmes in context of the State.

RK Ranjan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Government of India, in his speech of the function said that the Thadou tribe belongs to the Tibeto – Burman linguistic group and opined that the minor linguistic group needs to be promoted.

He said that he was informed that the Thadou tribe follow the lunar calendar and their society is based on Jhoom cultivation. Through Jhoom cultivation the community observe the natural phenomenon and changes in nature.

He said the Thadou-Kuki group has two major festivals which is Hun – seed sowing festival and Kut – post harvest ceremony.

He said observing the Hun festival, we have to revitalise our ancient culture, traditions and practices as to reverberate our identity and language. He said except for one or two groups, most of the people settled in Manipur belong to the same language family that is Tibeto-Burman language. He said all should unite and create a culturally harmonised society.

The event was also attended by Letpao Haokip, Minister Tribal Affairs & Hills and Horticulture & Soil Conservation and Nemcha Kipgen Minister Textiles, Commerce & Industries and Cooperation. Paonam Brojen Singh, Chairman Manipur Development Society and Sapam Kunjakishore Keba Singh, Chairman Manipur Electronics Development Corporation Limited also attended the function. The two-day long 5th edition of the Hun – Thadou Cultural Festival, 2023 concluded on Wednesday.