The three-day Pluck and Pay Festival, organised for the first time in Mizoram jointly by the Tourism Department and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Khawzawl, was inaugurated on Wednesday at Vanhnuailiana Hall, Tualte.
In the Pluck and Pay Festival, being held at Chawngtlai and Tualte, visitors will have the opportunity to visit the farms of local farmers in the host villages, where they can pick and purchase a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Several stalls showcasing agricultural produce and products made by local artisans have also been set up at Chawngtlai. Zawlkhaw Adventure Club is organising zipline activities for visitors.
Under the guidance of the Chawngtlai Historical Society and Tualte Vanglai Committee, visitors can also explore various historical and tourist sites, including Pathian Tlang, Nikuala Lungdawh, Zo Hill Station, Pasaltha Memorial sites and other places of interest.
Various traditional Mizo sports and recreational activities have also been organised for visitors. A concert featuring several popular Mizo artistes will also be held in the evening.
The inauguration programme was attended by Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Lalnghinglova Hmar said that the natural beauty of Mizoram, its clean environment, forests and natural resources are among the major attractions for tourists. He expressed his appreciation for the organisation of the Pluck and Pay Festival as an initiative to showcase the natural beauty and agricultural wealth of the State.
He also lauded the decision to organise the festival without the use of single-use plastic and stated that efforts would be made to promote similar green festivals in future. He further expressed his appreciation for the strong convergence and cooperation among various departments in organising the festival.
The Chief Guest encouraged tourists from outside Mizoram to visit the festival while emphasising that people living within the State should first appreciate, preserve and take pride in the beautiful and important places in their own land. He said that the people of Mizoram can become ambassadors of the State by visiting and promoting its natural beauty. He also expressed his gratitude to the people of Chawngtlai and Tualte for their active participation and efforts, and extended his best wishes for the successful conduct of the festival.
