Hmar Celebrates Sikpuiruoi 2014 in Delhi ~ KHALVONTAWI

THE HMAR COMMUNITY community residing in the national capital gathered in large numbers to celebrate the winter-harvesting festival, ‘Sikpuiruoi,’ here in Surtal Open Theatre, Talkatora Garden, New Delhi on the evening of December 6, 2014. Organized under the aegis of the Delhi Hmar Welfare Association (DHWA), the festival was graced by Phirthangsei Varte as the Sikpui Pa (Father of Sikpui Festival). IGP Robin Hibu, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police and Nodal Officer for North East, Delhi Police, was present as a special guest, along with Mr. MM Alam, proprietor of Satya Desh, a national Hindi monthly magazine. Several social and community leaders, family members, and others also attended the event.

Origin of the Hmars

The Hmars trace their origins to Sinlung, though the exact location remains a topic of debate. The term “Hmar” is believed to have originated from “Hmarh,” meaning the tying of one’s hair in a knot at the nape of the neck. According to Hmar tradition, two brothers, Hrumsawm and Tukbemsawm, followed different hairstyles. Hrumsawm, the elder, tied his hair in a knot on his forehead due to a sore on his neck. His descendants, the Pawis of South Mizoram, continued this style. Tukbemsawm, the younger, tied his hair at the back of his head, a style continued by his descendants, the Hmars.

Hmar is one of the numerous Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes spread across Northeast India. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the Hmars primarily inhabit the hills of South Manipur, Mizoram, Cachar, Dima Hasao, Meghalaya, Tripura, and the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Although administratively divided, these regions are geographically connected. In Manipur, the Hmars reside mainly in the Churachandpur District and its adjoining areas. In Mizoram, they are found primarily in the northern Aizawl District. In Assam, they live in Cachar and North Cachar Districts, while in Meghalaya, they inhabit the Jaintia Hills and Shillong. In Tripura, they reside in and around Darchawi, near the Mizoram-Tripura border.

The Celebration Begins

The first session of Sikpuiruoi commenced at 2 PM with two eloquent and engaging comperes, Nehemia Ruolngul and Mercy Lalumpui, who guided the audience smoothly through the program, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event opened with a prayer by Church priest Rev. James R. Sanate, who sought divine blessings for all attendees.

DHWA Chairman Hrangthangvung welcomed everyone, emphasizing, “It’s a festival of happiness and joy for all of us.” Sikpui Pa Phirthangsei Varte, as the supreme head of the festival, urged Hmar leaders and youth to contribute positively to society, stating that Sikpuiruoi has been celebrated since time immemorial as a day of great joy for the forefathers of the Hmar tribe.

The festival officially began with the traditional Sikpui song, Sikpui inthang kan ur lai a…, led by Lalramsang Hrangate. Following this, the Sikpui Pa delivered his speech, and Hmar youths who had donated blood were honored with appreciation certificates, presented by DHWA Secretary Malsawmthang Keivom.

A mesmerizing Bamboo Dance, a traditional Hmar cultural performance, was presented by the Hmar Students Association, Jt. Headquarters (HSA) Delhi, captivating the audience.

Recognizing Achievements

During the Sikpui Prize Distribution, the Hmar Christian Fellowship Delhi Choir was recognized for winning the North East India Choral Singing Competition in 2013 and 2014. Similarly, the Hmar Football Club (FC) was lauded for securing the North East Tamchon Football Tournament title in 2013 and 2014. A third consecutive victory in the tournament would secure permanent ownership of the coveted trophy.

In the Hlado le Lengkhawm Inruolsiekna (Traditional & Social Gathering Song Competition), the South Extension Hmar group claimed first prize, while the Kishan Garh group took second place.

Church elder Dr. Lalsiemlien Pulamte addressed the gathering, encouraging Hmar students to excel academically. “If out of 500 students who clear the matriculation examination annually, even one percent reach executive positions, our community will progress significantly,” he remarked.

Words of Encouragement

Robin Hibu, IPS, hailed as the “Face of North East,” shared his experiences as a student in Delhi and praised the Hmar community for setting a positive example among Northeast communities. He highlighted the community’s achievements in music and sports as testaments to their discipline. “Make your parents proud; they sacrifice a lot for your education. Focus on your studies and embrace every challenge positively,” he advised.

He concluded with a cautionary note: “Always remember, tomorrow will be your day.”

Pastor Neilaia Darlong offered a closing prayer, after which the traditional dinner, Sikpuiruoi Bu Le Sa, was served, bringing the first session to a joyous end.

The Festivities Continue

The second session commenced post-dinner, led by Lalchungsiem Thlawngate and Mercy Lalumpui.

In the Sikpui Lottery Draw, the first prize, a Samsung 43H4100 43-Inch Plasma TV, was won by Esther Remsuothim of Uttam Nagar. The second prize, an Apple iPad Mini Wi-Fi Cellular 32GB, went to Hoping Kangten of Sikendarpur, Gurgaon. The third prize, a Motorola Moto G (1st Gen) 16GB, was won by Mark Pangamte of South Extension. Ten consolation prizes of 8GB Pendrives were also distributed.

A vibrant Sikpui Fashion Show, led by young Hmar designer David Lalnghatzo, delighted the audience. Young Hmar women showcased traditional and contemporary outfits, receiving thunderous applause.

Hmar singers Roselyn Lalumpui, Melody Varte, Zaituokung, Maryjone, Lalhritsung Sanate, and Victor Hekte Hmar, who travelled from Chandigarh for the festival, mesmerized the audience with soulful performances. A special highlight was the duet Haire Hai! by Maryjone and Lalhritsung Sanate, which had the audience dancing in joy before the stage.

The Delhi Hmar Welfare Association honoured Shri Robin Hibu with a traditional Hmar shawl and a memento in recognition of his exemplary services to the people from Northeast states residing in the national capital and its NCR region.

Malsawmthang Keivom delivered words of gratitude, followed by the closing prayer led by Pastor Lalsiesang Zote. With that, the vibrant celebration of Sikpuiruoi came to a grand and vivid conclusion.

~ Bruce K. Thangkhal, New Delhi

A glimpses of
SIKPUIRUOI: Harvest Festival of the Hmar Community

Organised by

Delhi Hmar Welfare Association