The three sister villages of Chingjaroi is gearing up for its much revered Khamor Angkhui, cultural festival 2024 amid cuckoo chirping in the village corridor signalling the onset of sweet spring season.
This cultural festival is an annual affair celebrated every first week of April. It is a time for villagers to have a complete rest by feasting over sumptuous dishes before undertaking any of their agricultural activities. As the saying goes, “ Health is Wealth”, similarly the native here specifically set aside this occasion believing that they need sound health, mind and soul to achieve success in their activities.
Young and old alike religiously follow this ritual by invoking God’s blessing so that no pest or any other natural calamities disrupt in their effort towards bountiful harvest.
Unlike other festivals, this auspicious occasion is also a time for yarnao (peer group) to strengthen their bond. Every competition item is purely earmarked for the peer group.
Community, peer wise feasting and preparation of indigenous sticky rice bread prominently figure in this festival.
Womenfolk play a vital role in this feast. When a man, especially hunters who use indecent words (but with no ill intention) against a playful group of women, then the womenfolk charged the man’s parents that your son, father has ill treated us and were made to pay.
One of the hallmarks of this age-old festival is that guests and visitors are wholeheartedly welcomed and entertained and make them feel at home.
The three sister villages of Chingjaroi are located in the extreme north of Ukhrul district. The village is famous for Chingjui Matha (Chingjui’s peak) and is home to various endangered wild species including wild boar, stag, bear, and deer among others.
Matha peak is also an abode of Hornbill and is adorned with varieties of wild orchids enchanting every passerby.
The village has imposed a blanket ban on hunting with the intent to preserve its resources and wild species.
The peak also offers nature lovers a majestic sun rising view from the east.
The village is about 90 km from Ukhrul town (Ukhrul to Jessami) and is about 60 kms from Ukhrul to Peh village to reach Chingjaroi village.
The five day long cultural festival will commence on April 9 and conclude on 13.
