Ningol Chakkouba : A Re-union
(A retrospection after its actual celebration)

Rev Fr Paul Lelen Haokip *

A Ningol Chak-Kouba programme on 25th October 2014 at MBC, Chingmeirong. :: Pix - Gnet Cyber Cafe

INTRODUCTION:

Oh Ningols, lucky you, happy you. But why has our society not invented a feast for the married sons to come back officially and celebrate a special day like Ningol Chakkouba Poor men-folk. Perhaps, even our fore-fathers had special corner for women folk. Great feast, worth celebration.

Women clad in traditional attire with their children go to their parental house to meet their brothers and father early in the morning in response to the invitation of married sisters and daughtersfor a grand feast. This is NingolChakkouba – a feast of re-union.

HIKES:

Fishery items, gift sets and essential commodities even fetch higher prizes to celebrate this festival.Hikes don't seem to be a 'worry' when it comes to family re-union. But the Government of Manipur should give us a platform where things are cheaper during this socially meaningful and union-oriented feast.

SOCIALLY USEFUL OUTCOMES:

Paternal concern and accord of peace is restored during this blessed feast. Who does not quarrel or dispute with daughters? We all do. But also, who wants to miss being reconciled with their daughters during this festival?

Being reconciled brings down the Blood Pressure, Anxiety and Worry in everyone. Therefore, less expense at the medical centres and diagnostic outlets. In a reconciled family, even the simplest curry will taste good. This is just one of the many socially useful outcomes of Ningol Chakkouba.

CHANUTE SAA KITHA (Ningol singbu Saahatpiba):

In the Thadou-Kuki culture, there is a custom called CHANUTE SAA KITHA which is similar to Ningol Chakkouba. Either the father or one of the brothers hosts a feast and invites the married sisters, aunts of his clan for that common meal. This is presided by prayer from an elder and encouragement or advice to the married women to be good and exemplary wherever they have been married. Here too, a forum has been created for re-union to share and evaluate themselves with the other siblings or cousins.

INVOLVEMENT OF CHILDREN:

Though 'Ningol Chakkouba' and 'Chanute SaaKitha' technically do not involve children, the reality is that anopportunity has been created for children to visit their grandparents and uncles. We could never imagine of married women without their children around.

Even an angered dad whose daughter has eloped with someone melts away at the sight of his grandchildren. This has been the case in every society and ours is no exception. Children becomes peace makers. "Blessed are the peace makers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). They neutralise many a tension.

CONCLUSION:

The thought of going back to parental or maternal home (for the children) is itself a blessing. More than the gifts exchanges (sometimes demand in the type of gifts), a simple meal together do the magic of re-union and joy.

In reality, gifts can't be demanded. Then they will loose the surprise and value. A gift is a gift when accepted happily, not counting the cost and type.

Yes, Ningol Chakkouba is to be popularised and the depth of its significance be lived up. Each time, every dad/bro calls a daughter or sister can also be a Ningol Chakkouba in a micro sense with a macro significance.