Chin National Day ( Burmese: ချင်းပြည်နယ်နေ့) is observed annually on February 20 by the

Chin people The Chin peoples (, ) are collection of ethnic groups native to the Chin State, Myanmar that speak the Kuki-Chin-Mizo languages, which are closely related but mutually unintelligible. The Chin identity, as a pan-ethnic identity, is a modern c ...

Myanmar Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar; and also referred to as Burma (the official English name until 1989), is a country in northwest Southeast Asia. It is the largest country by area in Mainland Southeast Asia and has ...

. It commemorates the abolition of the traditional hereditary chieftainship system and the adoption of a democratic form of governance in the

Chin Hills The Chin Hills are a range of mountains in Chin State, northwestern Burma (Myanmar), that extends northward into India's Manipur state. Geography The highest peak in the Chin Hills is Khonu Msung, Nat Ma Taung, or Mount Victoria, in southern ...

region in 1948.

History

February 20 is commemorated by the Chin people as Chin National Day. On this day in 1948, over 500 Chin representatives from across Chin State gathered at the Chin National Conference, where they voted to replace the traditional feudal system with a modern democratic form of governance. This historic decision led to the establishment of February 20 as Chin National Day. Today, the occasion is celebrated by Chin communities around the world, representing 53 ethnic groups, as one of their most significant cultural events. The first celebration of Chin National Day took place from February 20 to 22, 1951, in

Mindat Mindat may refer to: Places * Mindat District, a district in Chin State, Myanmar (Burma), consisting of two townships and many villages ** Mindat Township, Myanmar *** Mindat, Chin State, a town in Chin State, Myanmar, administrative seat of Mindat ...

, Chin State. The event was attended by Prime Minister

U Nu Nu (; ; 25 May 1907 – 14 February 1995), commonly known as Burmese names#Honorifics, U Nu and also by the honorific name Thakin Nu, was a prominent Burmese people, Burmese statesman and the first Prime Minister of Union of Burma. He was ...

and other dignitaries, including members of the

Union of Burma Union commonly refers to: * Trade union, an organization of workers * Union (set theory), in mathematics, a fundamental operation on sets Union may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * Union (band), an American rock group ** ''Unio ...

's cabinet. Messages of congratulations were received from the President and various ministers of the Union. During the parliamentary democracy period (1948–1962), Chin National Day was recognized as a national holiday. However, following the 1962 military coup led by General

Ne Win Ne Win (; ; 24 May 1911 – 5 December 2002), born Shu Maung (; ), was a Burmese army general, politician and Prime Minister of Burma from 1958 to 1960 and 1962 to 1974, and also President of Burma from 1962 to 1981. Ne Win was Burma's mili ...

, the Revolutionary Council annulled its status as a national holiday. In 1966, attempts were made to rename the day as "Chin Special Division Day," but the Chin Affairs Council reaffirmed the original designation in 1967.

Ceremony

Cultural dances are a integral part of this festival. Performances include the Sarlamkai, the Rallu Lam, associated with the Lushei community and the Khuang Cawi, a ceremonial activity involving the lifting of a decorative bamboo structure, particularly notable in

Hakha Hakha (, ; formerly rendered Haka) is the capital of Chin State in Myanmar. Hakha is located in the northeast of Chin State, with a total area of about . The city of Hakha is located on a plateau at more than above sea level. Although relative ...

and Thantlang tribe are held. Fashion shows and beauty pageants are also organized, showcasing traditional Chin attire and celebrating the diversity of Chin tribes. Traditional foods are prepared and shared during the celebrations. Sabuti, a hominy corn soup often served with fried beef, lime, and chili salad, is a staple dish. Another common food is Chang, a type of rice cake.

References

{{Reflist Festivals in Myanmar February observances Chin people 1951 establishments in Burma Cultural festivals in Asia

History

Ceremony

See also

References