The Chapchar Kut festival is predominantly celebrated in which state?

Chapchar Kut is the most important and popular festival of the Mizo people of Mizoram. It is a spring festival, celebrated in March, after the completion of the clearing of the jungle for jhum (shifting) cultivation, and before the burning of the cut trees and bushes.

"Kut" means festival in the Mizo language, and "Chapchar" refers to the bamboo and trees that have been cut and left to dry. After the hard work of cutting the forest, the farmers have a period of rest while they wait for the cut vegetation to dry before burning it and sowing seeds. Chapchar Kut was traditionally celebrated during this time, as a festival of joy and rest. According to tradition, the festival began centuries ago when hunters returning from an unsuccessful hunt celebrated anyway to keep their spirits up.

Chapchar Kut is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People of all ages wear colourful traditional costumes and take part in singing, dancing and feasting. The most famous dance performed during the festival is the Cheraw, or bamboo dance, in which dancers step skilfully in and out between pairs of long bamboo poles that are clapped together rhythmically by people sitting on the ground. Other dances include the Chheih Lam, the Khuallam and the Chai. The festival is now celebrated as a state festival, with cultural programmes, exhibitions and competitions.

The Mizos have three traditional festivals linked with the farming cycle: Chapchar Kut (after clearing the jungle), Mim Kut (after the maize harvest, in August-September, dedicated to the dead) and Pawl Kut (after the harvest, in December, a thanksgiving festival). The traditional drum of Mizoram is the khuang.

Why not the other options?

• ✗Manipur is known for festivals such as Lai Haraoba and Yaoshang.
• ✗Nagaland is known for the Hornbill Festival and Sekrenyi.
• ✗Meghalaya is known for Wangala and Shad Suk Mynsiem.