PR No. 77/2025–2026
LAWNGTLAI, March 1, 2026 — Hlukhla 2026, the biggest and most significant festival of the Lai community, jointly organized by the Art & Culture Department of the Lai Autonomous District Council (LADC) and the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), was celebrated grandly on February 27 and 28 at CYLA Playground, Lawngtlai. The two-day festival was successfully observed with great enthusiasm, highlighting the preservation of cultural identity, unity, and traditional values.
On the first day of the festival, the Host of Hlukhla 2026, Executive Member (Art & Culture) Pu Lalzahawma Chinzah, warmly welcomed all attendees and conveyed his best wishes for an enjoyable celebration. Hlukhla Pa (Festival Father), LADC Chief Executive Member Pu C. Lalsawmzuala, emphasized that Hlukhla is the most important occasion for preserving ethnic identity and stressed the importance of safeguarding the rich traditions and cultural heritage handed down by our forefathers. Central YLA President Pu F. Lalrothanga also delivered an important message on unity and progress of the Lai community.
On the second day, Pu C. Lalmuanthanga, Chairman of LADC, graced the festival as Kût Pa (Festival Father). He stated that the Lai people are uniquely created by God and emphasized the need to value and preserve the Lai language to maintain unity, especially as the community is scattered across different regions. The programme began with an invocation by Rev. Vanlaldinpuia Aineh (LIKBK), followed by beautiful performances of traditional songs by the CYLA Choir.
During Hlukhla 2026, various traditional dances such as Sarlamkai, Conglaizawnh, Ruakhathlak, and Pawhlohtlawh mass dance were showcased. The YLA Thaltlang Branches presented Khuangchawi, and LWA General Headquarters organized an impressive Costume Parade.
In the musical segment, talented artists including Mercy Remsangmuani, Maria Lalhlimpuii, Mic Khan, Diki Khawbel, H. Vanlalhlana, BZ-i Tochhawng, Lilkiki, Trust, and Latei Band entertained the crowd enthusiastically.
Various competitions were also held during Hlukhla 2026, and the prizes were awarded as follows:
MISS HLUKHLA 2026
Miss Hlukhla 2026: Lalrinkimi (Thingkah)
1st Runner Up: C. Lalhminghluni (Chandmary)
2nd Runner Up: H. Lalnghenchhani (Council Veng)
LITTLE MISS & MISTER HLUKHLA 2026
Little Miss: Lucy R. Lallianzuali (AOC)
Little Mister: Manese Lalrammuanpuia (Council Veng)
LAI PAIH (WRESTLING)
1. Marcus Lalhmingtanzuala – Heavyweight Champion
2. H. Lantea – 60–80 kg Champion Samuel – 60 kg Below Champion
3. Augustin – Junior Champion
OPEN ARM WRESTLING
Champion of Champions:
Vanlalduata L-3
60 kg Below:
1. Thuthlungdika (Council Veng)
2. Lalchhuanpuia (Thingkah)
3. Samuel Lalhruaizela (L-3)
70 kg Below:
1. H. Lalnunfela (Thingkah)
2. Vanbawiuk (N Vengpui)
3. Vanlalmuanawma (L-3)
70 kg Above:
1. Vanlalduata (L-3)
2. Christopher Lalruatpuia (L-3)
3. Lalhruaizela (Bazar)
Women’s Category:
1. St. Lailianthangpuii (Vengpui)
2. Lalremsiami (Bazar)
3. Jessica Chanchinmawii (Council Veng)
Hlukhla is the most important and grandest traditional festival of the Lai people. In earlier times, it was celebrated after the completion of jhum cultivation as a time of joy with traditional songs and dances. Today, it has evolved into a major festival dedicated to preserving Lai cultural identity, traditional attire, language, and strengthening unity among the Lai people.
The LADC has resolved that Hlukhla will henceforth be celebrated annually on the last Friday of February (Nohawng).
Written & Published by: Information & Public Relations Department, LADC, Lawngtlai
