Preserving Tradition: Traditional Khuado Festival in Hakha

The 2026 traditional Khuado Pawi Festival of the Zomi people was held in Hakha on Saturday.

Chin State Chief Minister Dr. Vung Suan Thang attended the festival, together with state officials.

The festival featured opening hymns, prayers, traditional dances and cultural performances. State ministers also delivered speeches about the significance of the festival.

In his address, the Chief Minister said Khuado Pawi is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Zomi people. It marks the end of the annual farming season, celebrates the year's achievements and welcomes the new year with prayers for good weather, successful harvests, peace and unity. He also urged all to preserve traditional cultural practices while embracing modern ideas.

Following the ceremony, the Chief Minister and guests joined traditional dance performances and shared festival foods. Historical records suggest that Khuado Pawi dates back to around the 14th century, when Zomi communities settled in the Chin hills, giving the festival a history of more than 600 years.