Aizawl, 30 October (Zoram News): Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma attended the closing ceremony of the 14th Chief Minister’s Running Trophy in YMA Cultural Dance Competition, organised by the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) at Dawrpui Multipurpose Centre in Aizawl.
The two-day competition, held on October 29 and 30, brought together YMA branches to showcase traditional Mizo dance forms, with competitions in Cheraw and Chai.
Cheraw, popularly known as the bamboo dance, and Chai, a traditional Mizo dance performed to folk songs, featured among the main events of the competition.
The programme was organised by the Central YMA with the aim of keeping traditional cultural practices alive and strengthening public appreciation of Mizo identity.
The competition also provided a platform for YMA branches to demonstrate their skills, discipline, coordination and commitment to preserving the state's cultural traditions.
The Chief Minister’s Running Trophy is among the initiatives supporting the promotion of traditional Mizo dance and cultural expression. The Art and Culture Department and Central YMA have jointly organised previous editions of the competition.
The 13th edition, held in October 2024, also featured traditional dance competitions, including Cheraw and Khuallam, with participation from YMA branches within Mizoram and neighbouring areas.
The continuation of the competition reflects ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Mizo people through community participation and youth engagement.
Winners were:
For Cheraw:
First position: Chanmari West Branch
Second position: Bethlehem Vengthlang Branch
Third position: Arm Veng Branch
For Chai:
First position: Pawlrang Branch
Second position: Chanmari West Branch
Third position: Bethlehem Vengthlang Branch
Overall:
First position: Chanmari West Branch YMA
Second position: Pawlrang Branch YMA