284th Puya Meithaba observance witnessed worldwide
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, February 04 2013: Recalling the day sacred Puyas, which were compilation by scholars and priests on the traditional beliefs, socio-political policies and guidelines on economic sustenance for the then independent kingdom of Manipur, were burnt down to ashes, 284th Puya Meithaba was observed all over the State and beyond today along with participation by leaders of various ethnic communities.

The main observance in the State was held under the joint aegis of International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP), MNF, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and All Manipur Recognised Private School Welfare Association along with taking out a mass rally from Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen in Palace Compound to the sacred Kangla Fort here.

The rally was led by a group of people in traditional attires on horsebacks and was attended by people from different sections of the society, also clad in their respective traditional dresses, thus presenting a colourful spectacle.

Upon reaching Utra Shanglen located inside Kangla fort, the rallyists offered floral tributes at the very site where the sacred Puyas had been consigned to flames by the then King of Manipur at the instigation of Shantidas Gosai, a Hindu religious missionary, on this day in 1729 .

284th Puya Meithaba observance at Kangla

From there, the rallyists proceeded back to Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen where the main observance function was held.

A two minutes silence was also observed to express sorrow over the sad incident of burning Puyas as well as to pay respect to all those who suffered tortures and sacrificed their lives while trying to protect the Puyas from being destroyed.

Later, Titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba presented the Maichou Ningshing Mana to Oja Sanabam Khamba and the Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Khudol Mana to Joshua Luikang Maram of Maram Namdi Village.

The awards carry cash prize of Rs 10,000 along with a certificate each.

Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba observed that Meetei Puyas are not just some ordinary manuscripts.

They are valuable writings on the life of human beings right from birth till death.

Various scholars of the then Manipur kingdom managed to hide some of the Puyas before they were gathered and burnt down in front of Kangla Utra Shanglen on this day in 1729 .

The titular king further informed that as a result of burning of Puyas the present generation seems to have forgotten their own origin and history.

It is the impact of the destruction caused to the sacred Puyas that the State is in a trouble-torn situation today.

"We need to know and understand ourselves.

We need to remember that the people of different communities in the State have been living as brothers and sisters since time immemorial.

We need to trace back our history and origin and inculcate the sense of oneness", the titular king exhorted.

Delivering the Presidential address of the function, RV Mingthing, former Minister and Chairman of ICOP, stated that burning of Puyas was the most unfortunate incident in the history of Manipur.

The people of the State need to strengthen the love and unity among the different communities living in the State because love and unity can only protect the integrity of Manipur, he said.

The observance function was attended by Vice Chairmen of ICOP Sairem Nilbir, Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba, Mutua Bahadur, Tokpam Thawailemba Meetei, Saikhom Nodia Mangang; Ph Gunachandra, President of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council; Anwari Nur Jahan, President of United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation; Dr Sushila, Deputy Director of State Archives; PR Parhoi Chothe, Purum Chubang village chief and Thangal Surung village chief.

The commemoration function was also organized jointly by Meetei Moreh Council and Moreh Meetei Lai Thougal Lup at Moreh today.

The Manipuri Information and Research Centre organized the Puya Meithaba observance at Montreal in Canada.

On the other hand, the observance was also held at Manipuri Complex in Bangladesh under aegis of Saiyon Bangladesh.

It may be noted here that as a part of the commemoration, pinning of black badges was conducted at different schools of the State since February 2 .

A painting competition was also held at Jiribam Higher Secondary School to mark the occasion.