Khawzawl, September 2026: The three-day Pluck and Pay (Lo La, Lei Rawh) Festival, organised for the first time in Mizoram, concluded today at Nikuala Mual in Chawngtlai. MLA of the 20-Aizawl South III constituency, Pi Baryl Vanneihsangi, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Pi Baryl Vanneihsangi appreciated the efforts of government officials and the cooperation extended by the Khawzawl DC Office and the Chawngtlai and Tualte Village Councils in ensuring the successful organisation of the festival.
She said development and progress could be achieved without abandoning Mizo identity and traditional values. She encouraged villages across Khawzawl district to compete with one another in a positive manner for development. Emphasising the importance of valuing fruits and vegetables grown on the land of Mizoram, she expressed the hope that the Pluck and Pay Festival would encourage farmers to cultivate more produce and attract more buyers in the future.
Deputy Secretary, Tourism Department, Pu Alan Lalthanzara, also addressed the gathering. He said that for tourism in Mizoram to grow, local tourism must be promoted first. He stressed the importance of people from different parts of Mizoram visiting and interacting with one another and strengthening the local economy.
During the closing ceremony, participants took a collective pledge to protect the environment. Chawngtlai Village Council President Pu Sanghlunkima delivered the vote of thanks, marking the conclusion of the event. A concert was held thereafter.
During the three-day Pluck and Pay Festival, a Block Mela was organised at Chawngtlai jointly by the Mizoram State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MzSRLM), Khawzawl RD Block and NABARD. The 15 Self-Help Group (SHG) stalls generated sales worth Rs 6,43,600, while other stalls recorded sales of Rs 5,32,800.
Together, all the stalls at Nikuala Mual in Chawngtlai generated total sales of Rs 11,76,400 over the three days. In addition, 12 stalls at Tualte Field recorded sales of Rs 2,08,500, while fruits and vegetables worth Rs 21,000 were sold directly from the gardens.
