Dr Najma attends Heikru Hidongba fest
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, September 20 2018:
Governor Dr Najma Heptulla today graced the 240th Shri Shri Bijoy Govindaji Heikru Hidongba 2018 as the chief guest.
The event was organised by Shri Shri Bijoy Govinda Sevayet Committee, Imphal.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that it is her second time attending the Heikru Hidongba at the moat of Shri Shri Bijoy Govinda as the Governor of the State.
She said that the festival is observed by the Meitei community on the eleventh day of the fortnight of Langban month of the Meitei calendar every year.
Recognising the significance of the festival, Dr Najma instituted the Governor's Trophy for the boat race.
The Governor further stated that Heikru Hidongba is a socio-religious ceremony which is performed every year with an exciting contest of Hiyang Tanaba (boat race) in the sacred Thangapat moat of Sagolband, Bijoy Govinda.
The festival is not a mere visual festivity but a festival which revives the age-old tradition in the form of a festival, Dr Najma said.
She further stated that Heikru Hidongba is an annual event performed in the form of worship and game to commemorate the mysterious way of defeating foreign aggressors by our forefathers.
She said that the festival also signifies the symbol of unity.
"The more we study this public function, the more we learn about our ancestors who sacrificed their lives for peace and freedom of our people", she added.
Later, the Governor gave the Governor's Trophy, certificates and cash prize of Rs 15,000 to the winner and Rs 10,000 and certificates to the runners-up of the boat race.
The festival was also attended by the.
Chairman, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, MLA RK Imo Singh, MLA O Lukhoi Singh and MLA Md Abdul Nasir among others.