Nimkut: The Festival of The KUKI Tribe of Nagaland

The present paper explores the significance of Mimkut, a post-harvest festival of the Kuki tribe in Nagaland, celebrated in honour of the blessings of Chung Pathen (God of the heavens). Officially recognized on January 17 during the tenure of P. Shilu Ao, the then Chief Minister of Nagaland, Mimkut was registered as the Kuki community's popular festival and declared a restricted holiday for the people of Nagaland. The festival gained prominence in the 1980s with state-level celebrations initiated by Pu H. L. Singson. This paper also delves into the historical roots, rituals, and cultural lore surrounding Mimkut, including its origins linked to the transition from cultivating MIM (Job's tears) to CHANG (paddy). The enduring cultural legacy of Mimkut serves as a unifying force, promoting pride and identity among the Kuki community.