The tidings of Mera
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: October 09, 2013 -
As in other cultures around the world, Mera, the seventh month in the traditional Manipuri lunar calendar, which coincides with advent of autumn season, is a very significant transitional phase in the life of the people in Manipur, not only from the religious point of view but also from the socio-economic aspect.
It is that time of the year when the tillers of the soil reap the fruit of their hard labour and they are in a mood to rejoice in the company of friends and relatives and make thanksgiving offering to the almighty for the bounteous blessing.
In Manipur, the advent of autumn is heralded with celebration of Mera Chaoren Houba on the first day of Mera and throughout the remaining days of the month, various religious rites as well as rituals including Mera Santuba and Mera Kwak Tanba, etc. were performed for the well-being of the land and its people.
It is also during this month of Mera that festivals like Mera Hou Chongba and Mera Wayungba, which best exhibit the inalienable bond of unity and brotherhood that binds together different groups of people living in the State since time immemorial, are celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety in the truth spirit of camaraderie and oneness.
Despite the changes that have been brought about by the passage of time and the attempt made from some quarters to inject poisonous venom into the mind of the people, the month of Mera and Mera Hou Chongba celebration has withstood the test of time as the symbol of love among different communities in Manipur.
Of course, after sectarian politics have come into the scene casting their menacing dark shadow over he sentiments of the people, the celebration of an important festival like Mera Hou Chongba has never been same like it used to be in the past where people from the hills came down in large number to participate in the celebration every year without even waiting for any formal invitation and the Royal Palace was abuzz with activities days ahead of the main event.
Nonetheless, it is good to see that many village chiefs from the remote hill areas of Manipur, who understand the true meaning of celebrating Mera Hou Chongba, still make it a point to come down and participate in the celebration year after year.
This clearly shows that the bond of brotherhood between the hills and the valley people is not entirely lost, and we need to understand the fact that different groups of people living in Manipur are chained and tied together to a common destiny.
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