Kanggui: The Elmun Council (the Thadou clan), the apex governing body of Thadou sub-clan – Sitlhou, Lhouvum, Singsit, Thomsong, Lhoujem and Singson clans, on Thursday organized a traditional blessing ceremony, Maicham, for Daniel Kipgen at Kholmunlen village in Saitu area of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district. Kipgen, who is currently serving as president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) Sadar Hills and is an intending candidate for the upcoming election from 51-Saitu (ST) Assembly Constituency, received blessings from his maternal family, clan elders and well-wishers. The ceremony was held on September 25 in a traditional manner with full customary rites.
The programme was attended by a large gathering of clan leaders, village chiefs, church leaders and political workers. Leaders and chiefs of the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan) General Headquarters, pastors from local churches, elders of Kholmunlen and surrounding villages, members of Kipgen’s immediate family, members of the Central Working Committee of Team Saitu Shining and other well-wishers were present to witness the traditional occasion. The presence of clan elders and pastors added significance to the blessing ceremony which is considered an important cultural event before undertaking any major responsibility.
The programme was led by Rev. Letkam Elmun who chaired the entire proceedings and offered prayers. Pu Tonglen Elmun, Speaker of the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan), served as the compere of the programme and conducted the event smoothly. Pu Lamminlun Elmun, General Secretary of the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan), served as the recording secretary and maintained the official record of the ceremony. The programme began with an opening prayer and traditional welcome followed by introduction of guests and family members.
An exhortation and blessing message was delivered by Pu Paojagin Elmun, President of the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan) General Headquarters. In his message, he highlighted the importance of clan unity, cultural values and service to the people. Pi Nemboi, wife of late Thangkolen Elmun Jampipa, Chief of Elmun, also offered her heartfelt blessings and prayed for his success in future endeavours. Other elders also spoke and shared words of encouragement.
Rev. Letkam Elmun later offered a thanksgiving prayer, seeking God’s guidance, protection and blessings for Daniel Kipgen as he prepares for public service. As per Thadou clan tradition, the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan) presented Kipgen with a traditional gong, which symbolizes authority, announcement and leadership, and Samal, the hind leg of the sacrificed animal, which symbolizes honour, blessing and acceptance by the clan. These symbolic presentations are the highest form of blessing given during Maicham ceremony, indicating that the maternal clan has fully accepted and blessed him.
In Thadou clan customary practice, Maicham is performed by the maternal side of the family to bless their son or nephew before he takes up an important role, especially in public life, politics or community leadership. It is believed that blessings from the maternal clan bring good fortune, protection and success. For Daniel Kipgen, who belongs to Kipgen clan from paternal side and Elmun (Thadou clan lineage) from maternal side, receiving Maicham from Elmun Council (the Thadou clan) is considered a strong cultural endorsement and moral support ahead of the electoral battle in Saitu, which is one of the most closely watched constituencies in Kangpokpi district.
Daniel Kipgen has been active in youth politics and social work in Sadar Hills for several years. As president of BJYM Sadar Hills, he has led several youth outreach programmes and has been projecting himself as a young face for Saitu. The 51-Saitu (ST) constituency is currently held by Haokholet Kipgen, and several intending candidates have started mobilizing support ahead of the next assembly elections. Political observers said the blessing ceremony by Elmun Council (the Thadou clan), which has considerable influence in Saitu area, will give a boost to his candidature and help consolidate support among the four clans of Elmun.
The programme concluded with a grand fellowship feast hosted jointly by the maternal family and the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan) for all attendees. The gathering shared a meal together as a mark of unity and thanksgiving. The vote of thanks was delivered by Pu Mangseh Elmun, Vice-President of the Elmun Council (the Thadou clan), who thanked all leaders, pastors, elders and well-wishers for making the ceremony a success. He also thanked the family of Daniel Kipgen for their cooperation and hospitality. The Council said it will continue to uphold Thadou customs and support youth who work for the welfare of the community.
