"Sak leh thang, sim leh mârah a awm ka unai ngei, CHOREI nampuan le inthopin nan rengin chibai."..
My brother and sister in the East and West, North and South, I in my CHOREI traditional apparel welcome you.
    
          A WARM WELCOME TO MR. T. MALSAWM KIPGEN BLOG........... 

The CHOREI tribe who once lived with the Hmars at Ruonglevaisuo (Tipaimukh) for several decades and who are now found mostly in Cachar,Karimganj,Hailakandi district of Assam,and also in some parts of Mizoram And Tripura.The real original of the Chorei's  in North-East India is coughed in obscurity since no written record of its beginning could be traced out. Like any other major ethnic community of CHIKIM in North-East India,the Chorei's too have  many clans,the important ones are as follows; Achep,Aithingrok,Arrabu(khiangte),Aradairiem,Banmaher,Bong,Buongcher,Cholka,Kazari,Khiengtevai,Kombol Khiengte,Khoknu,kuatiavai,Langkei,Lungvoivai,Martala,Marsephang,Moulphoivai,Neibom-Akeite, Nobin,Norsing,

Rangkhol,Riemkhiengte,Sakhuoipu,Sakhuorbui,Tansurai,Thirsu,Tuisemai,Tokorai,Vangaru,Vai,Thingphun. 

Chorei tribe is a recognized tribe in Assam. The Government issue tribe certificate to them under any Kuki tribe.

Chin-Kuki-Mizo or the generic term Zo is a cluster of ethnic tribes who are believed to have originated from Khul/Sinlung/Chhinlung (cave) somewhere in Great Wall of China. Chin-Kuki-Mizo or in short Chikim are found in three countries i.e. India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. In India, they reside in the North Eastern side in Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur. In Bangladesh, they are concentrated in the Chittagong Hill Tract (CHT). In Myanmar, they inhabit Sagaing Sub Division, parts of Rakhaine and Kachin state, and the Chin state of Myanmar.

Basically, they are one group people known in different names in different regions, states and countries. there are an estimated 50 plus ethnic tribes under Chikim fold. Some historians are of the view that they once formed a country which was broken up after the demarcation of their forefathers land in three different countries i.e India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Some argued that the population of Chikim touch 10 million mark.

One can see the variation in their custom and language because of the variation of their land and the change of time.

The name "Kuki" is used in India, "Chin" in Burma and "Mizo" in the whole of Mizoram.

 During the British rule in the North Eastern part, the British used the composite term 'Chin-Kuki-Mizo' to group the Kukish language speaking people, and the Government of India inherited this^.  Christian Missionaries chose to give the title Chin to christen those tribes on the Burmese side and the term Kuki on the Indian side of the border. Chin nationalist leaders in Burma's Chin State popularized the term "Chin" following Burma's independence from Britain.

 The term "Mizo" (which means the descendent/people of Zo or the people of Highlander) gained its popularity during the 20th century. People of all tribes prefer the name "Mizo" than  "Lushei/Lusei" for a unifying nomenclature. The erstwhile insurgent group Mizo National Front (MNF) fought its way out for a state which we called Mizoram today. Mizoram means land of the Mizos or Zo Hnathlak.

The Biate tribe are one of the oldest tribes of Mizoram, Assam and Meghalaya. Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. They are also one of the oldest living tribes in North East India especially among the Chin Kuki Mizo family. Biate is a small tribe as compare to their cognate tribes. Despite their small number they have been preserving their custom, dress, lifestyle and language. The term Biate comes from the word Bia-te. The word ‘Bia’ or ‘Biak’ means ‘speak’ or ‘worship’. ‘Te’ is a suffix denoting plurality.
The biggest festival of Biate tribe is Nûldung Kût which literally means festival of renewal of life.
According to legends, while they were in Saitual, a group of people known as the Koilam or Kawilam from Rulchawm village of Mizoram (India) used to sacrifice human to appease a large python called Rulpui, believing that the snake had supernatural power. Thus, some writers are of the opinion that the word Biate originates from the term Rul-Bia-Teor Rul-Biak-Te, which means snake-worshippers in other dialects. However, this hypothesis is questionable, because the Biates, as a tribe, never fed or worshipped a snake except one. The offering sacrifices by one village was also not as worshiping a God, but due to their fear and timidity and that too only for some time. Some other tribes call them in different names. The Thadous call them ‘Beite’ the Bengalis and other plain tribes call them ‘Baite,’ the Dimasa Kacharis call them ‘Bedesa’ and the Khasis call them Hadem, which includes all the old-Kuki tribes of Meghalaya. Soppitt C. A. a renowned English writer account as ‘Bêtê’^.  The Biate tribe is recognised as Schedule Tribe under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India in Serial No. (i) of the list.
The present population of the Biate tribe are dispersed in many parts of the North-Eastern states of India viz., Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur. However, the main concentrated area of the population is in Dima Hasao (N.C Hills) district of Assam and Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
According to legend, like other Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes, the Biates descended from the Manmasi, whose progeny were Riama and Vaia. Riama (ancestor of the Biate tribe) descended by Kuangpuia and Vaia, who were descended by Khuangzang, Khuangsai, Chilzang, and Lamzang (Lamkang). Kuangpuia had a son named Ralkhana, whose wife Kolsingi gave birth to five children namely Beia, Thianga, Laia, Ngola and Thiaia.^[5]
They are believed to have originated from a place called Khurpui or great cave. The ancient home of the Biates is also known as Sinlung (Sinlung means the cave close with stone) supposedly believed to be the Qin dynasty ruled by Qin Shi Huang. The conjecture of Sinlung as the origin of the Biate tribe is strongly supported by a folk song about the glory of Sinlung:...

D.M College of Teacher Education (DMCTE) students wearing traditional THADOU-KUKI apparel. This wear which is called Khamtang ponve (phinek) is worn during festive seasons and several other occasions such as marriage and blessing of child by the maternal grandfathers. It is also occasionally worn in church but with a change in the style of wearing. 

The Thadous of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo family are the second largest community in Manipur. Their population according to 2011 census is 2 (two) lakhs above in Manipur alone. 

They are found in Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, parts of Myanmar with their highest concentration in Manipur. They are known by different names by their neighbours.

Thadous are the single largest tribal group in Manipur. They are one of the constituents of Kuki tribes recognized as ST in Manipur, Nagaland(Kuki), and Assam (Kuki). Thadou-Kukis are found in India, Myanmar(Burma), Israel and even in the Philippines.

Thadous are known as:

1. Thadou by the Chins of Myanmar(Burma)

2. Lusuong by the Lushais/Mizos

3. Khongjai/Khongsai by the Meiteis

4. Khongchai/Khachami by the Tangkhuls

5. Kusamei by the Maos

6. Makheng by the Anals 

7. Thangkumsa by the Kacharis

8. Kuki/Cuci by the Bengalis

9. New Kuki by the Britishers

 The Thadous are found in Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram in India, and in Chin state and Sagaing Division in Burma/Myanmar. In Manipur, they are mostly found in South-Western Hills and Sadar Hills, Churachandpur district, Ukhrul district, Jiribam and Chandel district. Their highest concentration is in Sadar Hills. Moreh is the biggest town of theThadou-Kukis. From time immemorial, the Thadous have a culture of their own and distinct language, literature, dress, social life, and self-government. Livelihood,

Defense, Marriage, Divorce, Naming a child, Kut Festivals, Saguol Kengkhai, Vaphol lam, Lakoi lam, Khongbai lam, Lamkuol, Saipikhup, suh folk dances, Jhuming, Domestic animals, Religion, Hunting etc.. Thadous have a language distinct from other tribal languages; the Government of India has recognized the Thadou as a tribe and as a language cum culture and customs. This is recognized by the President Notification under Article No. 342 of the Indian Constitution vide the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, List Order Notification No. SRO. 2477-A. Ministry of Law & Home Affairs, Govt. of India dated 29th October, 1956 at New Delhi in respect of the State of Manipur.

While the kings ruled in Manipur, the Thadous served as the Manipur Army and helped in the maintenance of Law & Order. So that, the Meiteis composed the Folk Song, “MANIPUR SANA LEIBAK, CHINGNA KOINA PANSABA, HAONA KOINA PAN NGAKPA” was to the Thadou-Kukis only.

The followings are the recognized Thadou tribe covered under the Amended Vide Govt. of India Ministry of Law Notification Order No. SRO-24777-A, Dated 29th October, 1956, New Delhi. 1. Guite 2. Doungel 3. Sitlhou 4. Singsit 5. Kipgen 6. Haokip 7. Chongloi 8. Hangshing 9. Touthang 10. Lotjem 11. Haolai 12. Tuboi 13. Sa’um 14. Khuolhou 15. Lupho 16. Lupheng 17. Misao 18. Mate 19. Baite 20. Lhungdim 21. Ngailut 22. Kiloung 23. Insun 24. Jongbe 25. Lunkim 26. Lienthang 27. Thangngew 28. Changsan 29. Lhang’um 30. Khuongthang.

The KACHIN people are a group of ethnic tribes who largely inhabit the Kachin Hills in northern Burma's Kachin State and neighbouring areas of China and India. They are the close brother of Chin Kuki Mizo family. More than half of the Kachin people identify themselves as Christians - while a significant minority follow Buddhism and some also adhere to animism. Kachin state is also known as the land of jades and gold.

Manaw is a festival of the Kachin tribal group. It is one of the most popular festivals in Myanmar. The festival is usually held in January. This festival has been held for more than three decades. The traditional Manaw poles are decorated in colorful Kachin motifs and are centered in the middle of the festival ground. All who came to the festival wear their best traditional costume and the main feature of the festival is dancing around the erected Manaw poles, quite similar to the totem poles of North American Indians. Manaw festival is held in Myitkyina and Putao in Kachin State. Although most Kachin are now Christians, they are still proud of their ancestral traditions.

THARLAK KUT' is the biggest festival of the Darlong community of Tripura. In this Kut, the Darlong community showcased their rich cultural heritage and identity. It is celebrated on the 2nd week of January every year. Competition between young boys and girls is the highlight of the Kut celebration. Cheraw dance, archery and different types of games n sports are displayed by the young Darlong boys and girls during the celebration.
The Darlongs are also known as Kuki in Tripura.







Miss Darlong Miss Genevi Vanghroi Darlong

Zou, Maring, Simte, Gangte and Paite damsel in their traditional attire.

Miss Nagaland 2014 Miss Veineinem Singson in her THADOU Kuki traditional attire. Ahthibung is a small town in Peren district of Nagaland. It is the largest settlement for the Kuki tribe of Nagaland. The Kukis are one of the 16 indigenous tribes of Nagaland.

The Biggest festival of the Kuki tribe in Nagaland is MIM KUT which is held in the month of February.

It has been estimated that there are roughly 20,000 Kukis in Nagaland.

KHUMI tribe live mostly in Paletwa(Palang Vum) township of Chin state, Northern Rakhaine state of Burma and Chittagong hills. Khumi means 'man' in Khumi language. They belong to Chin Kuki group.

The main festivals of Khumi are: Chu touk poi (sowing festival), chu aw poi, (harvest time), and chu powl poi (carrying paddy festivals). The Khumi festivals possess religious character, agriculture oriented and ultimately intertwined with their way of life. They celebrated their festivals with a lot of enthusiam and dancing and drinking from a celebration. The joy of life was sustained by the successive festivals among the Khumi festivals in every program.

Miss Christina Lalchhanchhuahi Renthlei of the Ralte sub tribe of Mizo. She is Miss CHAPCHAR KUT 2015, the biggest festival of the Mizos.

Chapchar Kut is celebrated during March after completion of their most arduous task of Jhum operation i.e., jungle-clearing (clearing of the remnants of burning). It is a spring festival celebrated with great fervour and gaiety. Chapchar Kut is estimated to have started in 1450-1700 A.D. in a village called Suaipui. Chapchar Kut was discouraged when the Missionaries came to Mizoram as it was felt that it did not adhere to Christian values, however it was revived in 1973 on a mass scale sans animistic practice and Alcohol.