Festivals of Kuki Tribe are one of the most important aspects of the social life of the Kuki tribes. Festivals have been an integral part of the Indian culture that reflects the colours of the land. The festivals of the Kuki tribev mainly include Sawm Kivah, Lawm-Siel-Kai, Voicha Kih, Puon Kaap and Sachan. These are celebrated with the permission of the Tribal chief.
Sawm Kivah
Kuki Tribe introduced a celebration which is known as Sawm Kivah. In this the young boys from their childhood are allotted to different houses of the community which has a girl. These boys are supposed to protect the girl and her family and live so closely to the family that he can almost be recognised as one of the family members. This is mainly intended to help the family which does not have a son from any insecurity. The boys of Sawm shall help the girl`s family even during cultivation and at times of treat. Whenever the girl goes to attend a feast the Sawm boy is supposed to accompany her and take full care of her which is reciprocated by the girl as well. Sometimes this dependence becomes so permanent that the boy and the girl often fall in love with each other. This continues till the boy reaches the age and time comes when he is supposed to depart from the family. As a farewell to him the girl`s family then organises the Sawm Kivah. The celebration of Sawm Kivah also provides an opportunity to the parents of the girl in case they agree to the proposal. Then such consent is declared in the Sawm Kivah which means feast for the Sawm which shall be further celebrated with a jar of "Zu" or rice beer that is used at times of celebration.
Lawm-Siel-Kai
Festivals of Kuki Tribe include another unique festival which is known as Lawm-Siel-Kai. This is the festival which is celebrated by the young people when the seasonal work is over. In this the young boys put all their labour to fetch a Mithun for the Lawm festival. This festival is usually celebrated by all the members of the Lawm who approach the chief of the community and offer him a jar of "Zu" as a token for putting an application for the permission or approval for such a festival. The chief after verifying the economic condition of the village from the council of ministers gives his consent. The members of the Lawm then once again approach the chief to place a formal invitation for attending the feast which also includes the Thiempu, and other members of the Lawm. The festival largely centres on slaughtering a Mithun and distribution of the meat within the two parties of the Lawm. After this it includes the preparation of the grand feast which usually takes place at an evening of November which is selected by the chief.
Voicha Kih
Voicha Kih is one of celebrations, aimed at breaking the monotonous life style of the Kuki tribal people. Voicha Kih is one such activity in which the Lawm members select one prosperous family and start working on his field. In this celebration, they give an indication that if the owner of the land wants his field to be cultivated by the Lawm members then he should organise a good midday meal for them.
Puon Kaap and Sachan
The Puon Kaap and Sachan are celebrated between the boys and girls of the tribe. In Puon Kaap the boys and girls begin to ridicule each other which end on violently challenging each other. Sachan on the other hand includes the celebration with distribution of the meat within the Tucchas and Bechas of a man.
Kut Festival
Mimkut is the harvest festival of the Kuki Tribe. They celebrate this festival on 17th of January every year. The celebration lasts one week. Besides Mimkut, Kuki tribes celebrate Chapphou Kuut, Chavang Kuut, as well as other smaller festivals.
Overall the festivals of the Kuki tribe mark the small and large celebrations that exist in the community. These can be considered to be the main source of refreshment for the people of the community who depend on these celebrations in a great way.
