The Mizo Convention, TTAADC and Jampui Longai BJP Mini Mandal Committee have demanded inclusion of Chapchar Kût in Tripura’s state-level tribal festival list. They have urged financial assistance and recognition for the traditional Mizo spring festival, while raising concerns over the proposed religious event at Bethaliangchhip and its possible impact on tourism, ecology and communal harmony.
The demand for inclusion of Chapchar Kût, the traditional spring festival of the Mizo community, in Tripura’s State-level list of festivals eligible for financial assistance under the Tripura Tribal Folk Arts and Cultural (Financial Assistance) Rules, 2026, has gained support from the Mizo Convention, the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) and the Jampui Longai BJP Mini Mandal Committee.
The demand follows the August 12 last notification listing 48 tribal festivals, which did not include Chapchar Kût. In a memorandum dated August 13, the Mizo Convention urged the Directorate of Tribal Welfare to include the festival, describing it as a major expression of Mizo cultural heritage and tradition. It also requested that “State Level Shivrauthang Mandir Puja (Bethaliangchhip)”, listed at Serial No. 48, be replaced by Chapchar Kût, citing the politically and communally sensitive nature of the site, locally known as Thaidawr tlâng, and possible implications for communal harmony. The memorandum was signed by President JD Mawia and General Secretary Dr. Zairemthiama Pachuau, with copies forwarded to the Chief Minister and Tribal Welfare Minister.
Dr. Zairemthiama Pachuau, General Secretary of the Mizo Convention, said, “There never has been a festival called Shivrauthang Mandir Puja at this site (Thaidawr tlâng) in this Mizo traditional inhabited area of Jampui Hill in all the past centuries. This recently invented festival is a propaganda by some fanatic groups to try to propagate their divisive agenda, and this should not be endorsed by state machinery through its inclusion in the list.”
The Jampui Longai BJP Mini Mandal Committee also sought official recognition and financial assistance for State-level Chapchar Kût, stating that it would help preserve Mizo heritage, promote tourism and ensure equitable support for tribal communities.
The committee further objected to the proposed State-level religious event at Bethaliangchhip (Thaidawr tlâng), arguing that the area is a traditionally maintained eco-tourism destination and that large-scale religious activities or construction could affect its ecological balance, pristine character, tourism and local livelihoods.
The committee has therefore sought withdrawal or relocation of the proposed event to an alternative public ground or suitable government land outside the reserved tourism area, while urging the authorities to preserve Bethaliangchhip (Thaidawr tlâng) as a natural tourist attraction and protect the tourism heritage, environment and regional harmony of the Jampui Hills.
| Also Read: THRC Seeks Land Clarification for NLFT Victim’s Family in Tripura |
The demand received further support from TTAADC Chairman Shri Bhaba Ranjan Reang, who in a letter dated August 21 urged the Tribal Welfare Minister to include a State-level Mizo festival, specifically Chapchar Kût, under Para 6(3) of the Rules. He highlighted the Mizo community’s traditional music, dance, folk songs, customs and indigenous practices, and stressed the importance of equal recognition of all tribal cultures.
