Why in the News?
The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was inaugurated in Manipur.
About Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival:
- Overview: An annual agricultural and cultural festival celebrated in Sirarakhong village, Ukhrul district, Manipur.
- Origin: Began in 2010 to promote the Hathei chilli and its farming traditions.
- Focus: Highlights the Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Hathei chilli, which received GI status in 2021.
- Activities: Involves flag hoisting, Tangkhul Naga cultural events, buyer–seller meets, marketing programmes, exhibitions, and awareness drives on government schemes.
Salient Features of Hathei Chilli:
- Local Identity: Known as Sirarakhong chilli, indigenous to Ukhrul district.
- Cultivation: Grown on slopes under the traditional jhum system.
- Distinct Qualities: Recognised for its bright red colour, unique flavour, and medium pungency.
- ASTA Value: Possesses a high American Spice Trade Association colour value, making it sought after for food colouring.
- Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C, and calcium, with medicinal value.
- Uses: Widely used in cooking, pickles, flavouring, food colouring, and processing industries.
- Uniqueness: Its qualities stem from the soil and climate of Sirarakhong, not reproducible elsewhere.
| [UPSC 2018] Consider the following pairs:
Tradition- State 1. Chapchar Kut festival — Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad — Manipur 3. Thong-To dance — Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2* (c) 3 only (d) 2 and 3 |
