Titular king receives Hou Chongba delegates
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 04 2017:
Chiefs and headmen of villages coming from hills and far flung corners of the State to attend the Mera Hou Chongba festival were accorded a warm reception by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba at the royal palace .
Reception of delegates, village chiefs and headmen by the king on the eve of Mera Hou Chongba festival is a customary practice which is as old as the festival itself .
The reception function was organised by the State level Mera Hou Chongba Committee .
Speaking at the function, Sanajaoba reminded that Mera Hou Chongba is an event handed down by the forefathers of both the hills and the valley .
He said that the festival is held once in a year with participation of both hill and valley people with the primary objective of reaffirming the inseparable fraternal bond they share since ages .
Pointing out that the Mera Hou Chongba festival is a common festival of all the people regardless of his/her religion, customs, traditions and community, he appealed all to participate and make the occasion a grand success .
This year the festival is expected to be more significant and successful as the State Government has extended full support, he added.
Lancha Ningthouja recounted the story of how the event was started in the State and observed that it reminded to this generation about the genesis of hill and valley people .
He said the festival tells the indigenous people of the State that their migratory route cannot be forgotten .
While appealing to all the hill people and the plain people to share their feeling of brotherhood on the day, Lancha wished all for a peaceful and united Manipur in the coming days .
During the function, the chiefs and village headmen introduced themselves to the king and shared in brief their experiences.