JOWAI: Biate community- a minor tribe in East Jaintia Hills celebrated the Nulding Kut Festival which concluded on Saturday in which Member of Paliament, Vincent H Pala was the chief guest and local MLA, Hopeful Bamon, the guest of honour.
The festival was also witnessed by the East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, WR Lyngdoh, Addl. Deputy Commissioner CS Laloo, the Deputy Superintendent of Police, W Muskor besides others government officials of the District and hundreds of spectators.
The President of the Biate Culture Organisation of Meghalaya, David Ngaite in his introductory speech informed that the Nulding festival is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Biate community since time immemorial.
“Nulding Kut festival is a festival for renewal of life celebrated in the first month of the year annually”. Ngaite said adding that through this festival, they try to forget their short coming, sorrows and their past discontentment and forgive each other. Hence the festival is also regarded as the day of forgiveness.
The ancient people of the Biate tribe considered this festival as a symbol for the beginning of a new year.
The festival was observed by rituals and offerings followed by social function in which cultural dance, traditional songs and others showcases of Biate culture including traditional sports was performed.
Award to farmers and meritorious students
On the occasion of the celebration of Nulding Festival, the Biate Cultural Organisation of Meghalaya awarded farmers including Lomthanga Darnei who harvested 171 sacks of paddy, Kungdinga Ngaite with 145 sacks both of Mualsei and Zoliana Thiaite of Saibual village with 143 sacks of paddy during the year 2013.
SSLC students Jacob Buongpui, Lalramvari Nampui, Mercy Tuolor, Felix Lalthuoisuok Inbuon and Wilson Bareh were awarded with laptops for securing first division in their examination in 2013.
The chief guest, guest of honour and the Deputy Commissioner presented the cash award to the farmers.