Mera Pot Lannaba ceremony held
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 19 2013 :
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi and former Minister RV Mingthing exchanged pleasantries and gifts to mark the bond between hill and valley dwellers at Ching Tam Pot Lannaba ceremony held as part of Mera Hou Chongba festival organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board at Haying Khongbal Tolong Yumpham inside 1st Bn Manipur Rifles complex today.
People hailing from both hill and valley areas not only offered 'athenpot' to Lainingthou Sanamahi and Lairembi but also exchanged gifts and pleasantries among themselves at the function.
PHED Minister I Hemochandra, MLA RK Anand and former Minister L Jayantakumar also exchanged gifts with their brethrens from the hills.
Speaking at the occasion, O Ibobi said that people of hill and valley used to live together sharing food and shelter in olden days.
Later, they parted ways with a group came down to the valley.
During the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, valley people burnt a huge fire to show their wellbeing to their hill brethrens in the month of Mera of Manipuri lunar calendar, Ibobi said.
It is the reason why the festival of Mera Hou Chongba is organised in the month every year, Ibobi said and added the festival signifies unbreakable hill-valley bond.
Reiterating that people residing in hill and valley areas of Manipur are brethrens, Ibobi said that the State Government would do the needful to organise the festival in a more grandeur way from next year.
The Chief Minister also promised to make up the requirements of Sanamahi Temple Board like building and toilet etc.
He further said that his Government would also properly demarcate the area so that required land is given to the Board.
MV Mingthing said that Mera is a significant month which renews the age-old hill-valley relationship.
He also greeted the people of the State to resolve all the differences and renew integrity between hill and valley people.