About Mizo Culture

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Shylo Malsawmtluanga

Shylo Malsawmtluanga, popularly known as Mama, is an Indian footballer who last played for Aizawl FC in the I-League, primarily as a winger. He was the first footballer from Mizoram to play for the national team and the Kolkata clubs Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.

Jeremy Lalrinnunga

Jeremy Lalrinnunga is an Indian weightlifter from Aizawl, Mizoram. He represented India at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, winning India's first-ever Youth Olympic gold medal. Competing in the boys' 62 kg category, he lifted a total of 274 kg (124 kg snatch and 150 kg clean and jerk). Jeremy also won a silver medal at the Asian Weightlifting Championship. In the 2019 World Weightlifting Championships, he secured the 21st position in the men's 67 kg event. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Jeremy won gold in the 67 kg category, setting a Games record by lifting 140 kg in snatch and 160 kg in clean and jerk.

No Vehicle Zone

Aizawl Declares No Vehicle Zone Ahead of Christmas as Festive Spirit Sweeps City. Every year during Christmas and New Year celebrations, Aizawl city sets up a "no vehicle zone" in the main shopping area from 10 am to 4 pm. People from all parts of Mizoram visit the city to shop, listen to roadside shows making the streets very crowded with beautiful spirits . The zone helps shoppers move around safely without vehicles getting in their way.

Young Mizo Association (Y.M.A)

The Young Mizo Association (YMA) is the largest and most comprehensive non-profit, secular, nongovernmental organisation of the Mizo people. It was established on 15 June 1935, originally as the Young Lushai Association (YLA), which was later renamed as the "Young Mizo Association" in 1947. It was initiated by the Welsh Christian missionaries who understood the need of cultural conservation of the Mizo tribe, who were under pressure of political and social modernisations. In 1977, it was registered under Indian Societies Registration Act.

The Mizos uphold three core principles:

Make wise use of leisure time (Hun âwl hman ṭhat).
Work towards the progress of Mizo society (Zofate hmasawnna ngaihtuah).
Honour and live by Christian values (Kristian nun dan ṭha ngaihsân).

Thlan laih (Digging of the grave)

Mizos ( male ) who missed the overnight vigil would rise early the following morning and gather at the graveyard, where community leaders guided them on the place to dig. At times, even those Mizos ( Male ) who attended the vigil joined them at dawn, lending their hands to prepare the final resting place.

Picture Credit: Kip Crossing (Youtube)

Tlawmngaihna

Tlawmngaihna, literally means to be helpful and not be a burden on people around you."Tlawmngaihna is a code of conduct at the very basic level, it means being honest, kind and helpful to others, but on a larger level, it's about being selfless.

Tlawmngaihna shows itself in daily life, such as helping strangers or sharing things with neighbors.

Silent City of India

Aizawl, the capital city of Mizoram, is called the "Silent City of India" because people rarely honk while driving. Vehicles move calmly and politely, even during heavy traffic, without honking or rushing to overtake. The roads stay peaceful and quiet, showing how disciplined the drivers in the city are.

Chapchar Kut

In the early history of Mizos, around 1450-1700 AD, a famous chief ruled Suaipui village, located in today's Myanmar. Young men aimed to prove their bravery in battles, hunting, or sports, enhancing the village's fame. One spring, the chief led a hunting trip, but they returned empty-handed. To hide their shame, the chief quickly organized a feast with his own pig and chickens contributed by hunters. The villagers happily celebrated, dancing and enjoying rice-beer, turning disappointment into joy. This event began the Chapchar Kut festival, celebrated yearly during spring, marking the end of tough fieldwork. The festival introduced the Chai dance and the tradition of sharing food and drinks. It is a time when winter ends, spring arrives, and villagers rest after clearing forests for farming. Similar festivals happen in other Northeast Indian states, highlighting unity and friendship among these communities.

Nghah loh dawr (A shop without Shopkeeper)

Nghah Loh Dawr is a traditional market culture in Mizoram, meaning "shop without shopkeepers." Goods are displayed along roadsides, and customers leave payment in a box, trusting each other. This practice promotes honesty and kindness.