PPCM issues diktats on Holi, Thabal Chongba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 27 2018: Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM) has appealed to the people not to organise Thabal Chongba beyond five days of Holi festival.

Addressing a press meet at its Wahengbam Leikai office today, PPCM advisor M Purnimasi Leima who is also the president of CHITUWA also appealed to the artistes not to stage Shumang Leela play beyond the festival period.

She asked organisers of Thabal Chongba not to use instruments like DJ other than those used by dhol band.

She said that only dhol band is engaged in Thabal Chongba since time immemorial and incorporating instruments like DJ, electric guitar and drum amounts to insulting our forefathers.

She also said that inclusion of additional instruments tarnish the unique image of Thabal Chongba.

She expressed strong objection to new styles of Thabal Chongba invented by youngsters.

The woman leader also cautioned against wearing western dresses by women in Thabal Chongba, saying such inappropriate western dresses undermine Meitei culture and tradition.

If the directives are not followed in Thabal Chongba during the Holi festival then the concerned clubs and Meira Paibis of the respective localities should be held solely responsible, Purnimasi made it clear.

She urged the concerned clubs and Meira Paibis to give advice to youngsters on the actual guidelines of Thabal Chongba.

She appealed to young boys and girls to not pour polluted water from dirty drains to each other and vehicles on the road as it unwanted incidents like accident and quarrel may erupt.

She also warned against, organising Thabal Chongba for more than one days in connection with Cheiraoba festival.

She said that appropriate punishment will be given to those artists groups if they stage Shumang Leela play in different parts of the State beyond five days of Holi festival.

PPCM advisor Ph Sakhi and L Memchoubi were also present at the press meet.

Comment