Mizoram village revels in return of World War II-hit festival

Performer at the Leitlangpui Musical Festival, which returned to Serkawn village in Mizoram’s Lunglei district 80 years after becoming an indirect casualty of World War 2. Photo: Special Arrangement A village in south-central Mizoram’s Lunglei district has revelled in the return of a festival that was an indirect casualty of the Second World War 80 years ago.Serkawn, about 175 km south of Aizawl, the State’s capital, organised the Serkawn Contest from 1932 to 1946 to celebrate the musical heritage and emerging creative talent in the erstwhile Lushai Hills. It was not held in 1942 due to World War 2, but the toll the conflict took on the global economy killed the concert after four years.The concert staged a comeback at Serkawn from November 11 to 13 in a new avatar—the Leitlangpui Music Festival. It marked the return of a “heritage event” to a location deeply rooted in the history of modern Mizo music.The Union Ministry of Tourism and the Mizoram Tourism Department organised the event with Bbyanimals as the official event partner.“Music is an inseparable part of Mizoram’s cultural identity, and Serkawn holds a special place in the story of our musical journey. Bringing the Leitlangpui Music Festival back to Serkawn is not simply about hosting an event at a historic location; it is about reconnecting generations with a legacy, celebrating the talent of our people and creating new possibilities for the future,” Mizoram’s Tourism Minsiter, Lalnghinghlova Hmar, said.“Our vision is to take Mizoram’s music and cultural heritage to a wider national and international audience, while ensuring that such platforms create meaningful opportunities for our young artists, entrepreneurs and local communities,” he said.The performers at the Serkawn festival included Deborah Ralte, C.T. Tluangtea, Benjamin Sum, Fenga, Sangtei Khuptong, David Darlong, Lil Kiki, Evenflow, Swordtune, Avora Records, Knot, RNZX, Dingtea Guite, Saka, Serkawn Band, Rokhumbeu, Johan, Your Sweetest Memories, Ruatpuii and Triautrackx.Beyond its musical programme, the festival brought together a range of commercial and entrepreneurial activities, including food and beverage businesses, local vendors, commercial exhibitors, traditional handicrafts, handloom products, fashion and lifestyle offerings.7.37 lakh touristsMizoram recorded 7.37 lakh tourists from January to September 2026, which was 2.236 lakh more than the corresponding period in 2025. The total domestic and foreign tourist count in 2025 was 8.41 lakh.Referring to the sharp increase in tourist footfall, Mr. Hmar highlighted the role of festivals and cultural events in attracting visitors, creating livelihood opportunities and strengthening local economies.He announced a series of upcoming tourism and cultural events, including the Tlaizawng Festival at Phuaibuang on December 17 and 18, followed by the Sakawrhmuituai Tlang Sunset Event on December 30 and 31, with December 31 designated as the main event.He also underscored the historical and cultural significance of the Darzo Masquerade Parade in Hnahthial district’s Darzo village in 2027. Locally known as the Chepa Lem Procession or Chepa Lem Chan, it is an annual charity and cultural parade held in the first week of January, usually on New Year’s Day.The parade is led by people dressed as “Ramhuai” (spirits or demons) and other Mizo mythological characters. Published - November 15, 2026 03:16 pm IST