Mizoram village revels in return of World War II-hit festival
Serkawn hosts the three-day Leitlangpui Music Festival, initiating a series of winter tourism events planned to crescendo with Christmas and New Year
A village in south-central Mizoram's Lunglei district, Serkawn, celebrated the return of the Serkawn Contest festival, which had been indirectly affected by the Second World War 80 years ago. The festival, which ran from 1932 to 1946, was halted in 1942 due to the war and never resumed. In 2026, the Leitlangpui Music Festival replaced the Serkawn Contest, marking a new era for the historic event.
The Union Ministry of Tourism and the Mizoram Tourism Department, with Bbyanimals as the official partner, organized the festival. Tourism Minister Lalnghinghlova Hmar emphasized the significance of the festival, stating that it reconnects generations with the Mizo musical legacy and creates prospects for the future. The festival featured renowned artists such as Deborah Ralte, C.T.
Tluangtea, Benjamin Sum, and Fenga, among others. In addition to the musical performances, the festival showcased a variety of commercial activities, including food and beverage businesses, local vendors, handicrafts, and fashion. Mizoram saw a significant increase in tourism, with 7.37 lakh visitors between January and September 2026, compared to 2.236 lakh in the same period in 2025.
Minister Hmar highlighted the role of cultural events in attracting tourists, generating livelihood opportunities, and boosting local economies. He announced further tourism and cultural events, such as the Tlaizawng Festival and Sakawrhmuituai Tlang Sunset Event, alongside the upcoming Darzo Masquerade Parade in 2027.
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