Governor, CM greet on Ningol Chakkouba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 04 2013: Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar and Chief Minister Okram Ibobi led others in greeting the people of the State on the joyous occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival.

In his message Dr Ashwani Kumar said, this unique festival of the Meiteis, observed on the second day of the new moon of 'Hiyangei' month of the Meitei calendar, strengthens family relationship and bond of love and affection among brothers and married sisters.

It is heartening to know that the festival is becoming popular among other communities as well, he added.

Conveying his warm greetings and good wishes, O Ibobi said, Ningol Chakkouba is one of the grandest festivals of Manipur which celebrates the unbreakable bond of love among brothers and sisters and renews the care and affection of parents for their daughters.

He said, "Let Ningol Chakkouba further strengthen the bond of unity and promote the feelings of peaceful co-existence and harmonious social life by reaffirming our faith in the traditional values of love and protection" .

The significance of the festival is such that, though originally celebrated among Meitei community, the festival has now extended to other communities and tribes in Manipur thereby reinforcing unity amidst diversity in the State.

In his message, Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Lokeshwar said, "It is my firm belief that the celebration of the festival will tighten the bond of love among brothers and sisters of the State and it will bring peace and social harmony in the State.

Let us forget ill wills, enmity among us and try to bring a prosperous Manipur" .

Greeting the people of the State, Home Minister and MPCC President Gaikhangam said that the festival evinces upliftment, respect and showering affection to women in Manipuri society.

The festival also tightens the bond between hill and valley as people of hill areas have now joined to celebrate the festival, which is originally celebrated by the people of Meitei community since past many years, Gaikhangam observed.

He also wished that Ningol Chakkouba brings love, peace, harmony and development in the State.

Social Welfare and Co-operation Minister AK Mirabai, in her message, wished the festival brings peace in the State through the blessings of brothers for their sisters .

She also wished that Ningol Chakkouba brings end to all types of oppression and victimization of women and renews respect to women and brings peace in the State.

Communist Party of India, Manipur State Council has also greeted the people of the State, especially Ningols (daughters) on the occasion.

The party said that the festival is a rare moment for married daughters who visit their respective maternal homes on Ningol Chakkouba day and share their wellbeing not only with their parents and families but also with neighbours and childhood friends.

The party also wished the festival renews unity and brings end to violence against women in the State.

In his message, Bharatiya Janata Party, Manipur Pradesh Thounaojam Chaoba said, "May the festival brings peace and harmony and end of violence against women" .

In its Ningol Chakkouba message to the people of the State, Manipur People's Party (MPP) has urged not to be extravagant in celebrating the festival.

The regional party also remembered and lauded the contribution of Irom Sharmila on the occasion.

The party said that it could feel the pain for her separation from her family.

The party also wished Sharmila that her courage defeats all odds and achieve her goal.

Shiv Sena Manipur State also greeted the people of the State, especially the Ningols (daughters), on the joyous occasion.

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