Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 27, 2010:
The Governor Gurbachan Jagat has conveyed heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the joyous and auspicious occasion of Yaoshang (Holi), being celebrated from tomorrow.
Chief Minister O ibobi Singh, GOC 3 Corps Lt Gen NK Singh and GOC Red Shield Division Maj Gen DS Hooda also wished the people of Manipur on the occasion.
The festival of colours, Yaoshang marks rejuvenation of the spirit of life and is celebrated in Manipur for five days commencing from the thanil (full moon) of Lamta (February/March) with gaiety and enthusiasm, said the Governor in a release.
Appreciating the tradition of organising games and sports meets by local youths during the recent past, Gurbachan expressed that such an initiative would 'surely' help develop sportsmanship and brotherhood among the youngsters and also add new colour to the festival.
"The holi festival exhorts us to forget our differences and spreads the message of love and friendship and harmony transcending the barriers of caste, creed and religion," the release conveyed while stressing that in celebrating yaoshang everybody should endeavour to strengthen the bonds of social harmony and peaceful co-existence among the various communities.
Expressing hope that the festival will be celebrated in its true spirit, Gurbachan said he will be very much a part of the celebration with the people of Manipur.
In his message, the Chief Minister said, Yaoshang being one of the greatest festivals of Manipur, is a festival of joy and reconciliation.
"The festival provides us an occasion to come together to celebrate the spirit of harmony and friendship, forgetting differences and misunderstanding," the CM's message highlighted while praying that the festival bring peace and prosperity to all the people of Manipur.
Wishing the people peace, joy and prosperity on the arrival of Yaoshang, Lt Gen VK Singh and Maj Gen DS Hooda, in a joint statement desired that holi be celebrated as an occasion to forget and forgive all bitter memories, and to usher in an era of peace and prosperity with renewed vigour.