The Thadou community of Assam celebrated the Hun festival on April 16 at the newly inaugurated Late Ramakanta Bathari Auditorium in Mahur, marking the seasonal shift to spring with traditional rituals, cultural performances and exhibitions. The state-level event, held for the second time in Assam, centred on blessings for the sprouting of seeds and the renewal of agricultural life.
Hun-literally meaning “time” or “season”—is an ancient Thadou ritual festival that celebrates spring and the beginning of the farming cycle, comparable in agricultural importance to Bohag Bihu in Assam. The festival’s main rite, Hun Maicham, seeks divine favour for the year’s crops and symbolizes community renewal.
Donpainon Thaosen, Executive Member of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), attended as chief guest for the first session on behalf of Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa, who was absent due to health reasons. Probita Johori, Executive Member, NCHAC, was the guest of honour, and Colonel Rakesh R. Krishnan, Commanding Officer of the 26 Assam Rifles, Haflong Battalion, was also present.
In the second session, Ranjit Swargiary, Additional Secretary, Government of Assam, represented Additional Chief Secretary Dr. B. Kalyan Chakravarthy as chief guest. Luit Talukdar, Additional Superintendent of Police, Dima Hasao, represented Senior Superintendent of Police Ripunjoy Kakati.
The Hun Maicham ritual was led by Rev. Paochon Hangsing, Executive Secretary of the Thadou Baptist Association – Assam, who served as the Hun Thempu. The programme opened with a welcome address by Haosei Thadou, President of Thadou Inpi Assam, and concluded with a vote of thanks from J.K. Thadou, President of Thadou Inpi Dima Hasao.
A wide range of Thadou organisations took part, including Thadou Inpi Dima Hasao, Thadou Women Association – Assam, Thadou Literature Society – Assam, and the Thadou Students Association – Guwahati, along with units from Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong, Christian fellowships and village leaders. Community representatives and former office-bearers such as Michael Lamjathang Thadou, Manghen Singson and Thensei Lhoujiem were in attendance.
Cultural performances formed a major part of the festival. Singers and artistes including Thangminsem Doungel, Khupgoulen Chongloi, Vahrose Kipgen, Vahhoichong Doungel, Emily Lhouvum, Mercy Hangsing, Thangboi Lhouvum and Henhopjao Doungel entertained the audience, while social media personality Vahshy Lhouvum (known as Vahshijolneng) attracted notable attention.
The event showcased Thadou material culture through exhibitions and a model traditional hut displaying everyday items, attire and accessories. Traditional dances-Vakol Lam by Molnom Cultural Troupe, Khulkon Lam by Thadouveng Cultural Troupe and Lom Lam by Songbung Cultural Troupe-were performed alongside a contemporary children’s act from Khomunnom.
The Thadou community’s historical presence in the region was noted at the festival; a Thadou Mouza under a Thadou Mouzadar has existed since 1886. This year’s Hun Pa, or chief host, was the current Mouzadar, Lienkhojang Chongloi, who officiated in that traditional role.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/thadou-community-celebrates-hun-festival-in-assams-mahur-with-cultural-showcases-and-traditional-rituals-1377469-2026-04-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-04-18 08:26:00
