Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 31:
As part of the annual Lai Haraoba festival of Lainingthou Wangbren and Lairembi Ereima which is being organised since time immemorial at Khekman, Hiyang Tannaba (boat race) was held at Thoubal river today.
The boat race was held between two teams of 10 rowers each comprising of married women, unmarried women or men.
As per the tradition, each of the team has a Temmai Leppa.
If an unmarried woman is to be Temmai Leppa then she should be someone who has been brought up properly by her parents and if a married woman is to the Temmai Leppa, then she should be someone who is living with her husband.
All the rowers and the Temmai Leppas should also be residents of Khekman.
It is believed that all those who are fortunate enough to take part in the boat race are blessed by the god and the goddess.
One day before the event, all the rowers and the Temmai Leppas have to observe certain rituals and austerity like sleeping the night on a new mat and living on simple foods.
According to Asem Kumarjit, secretary of the Khekman Lainingthou Lairembi Lai Haraoba Committee, the boat race is an indispensable part of the annual Lai Haraoba festival of Lainingthou Wangbren and Lairembi Ereima.