Blessing of Emoinu invoked for prosperity
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17, 2011:
Along with traditional fervour and gaiety, Meetei community of Manipur today worshipped Emoinu, the Goddess of wealth, praying for well-being and prosperity in the State.
Seasonal vegetables and fruits were offered and candles were lit in the evening to evoke the blessing of the Goddness.
Apart from worshipping the Goddess in the family , Emoinu worship programmes were also organised at the community level.
At Wangkhei Ningthem Pukhri Mapal in Imphal East district, where the sacred site of Goddess Emoinu is located, the 34th Emoinu Festival, 2011 was organised with great fanfare.
Organised under the aegis of League of Fellow Patriots, celebration of the festival began along with rendering of Pena Yaikairol (invocation) and offering Athenpot since early morning.
In the afternoon, sacred fire from Kangla had been taken for lighting up in and around Wangkhei Pukhri Mapal area.
Recounting the legend of Goddess Emoinu, performance by Emoinu Nupa-Nupi Pala, Meetei Sharit-Sharit and Thanga-Ta artistes as well as presentation of dance, music and ballet based on creation of the human society were some of the other highlights of the festival.
Shumang Leela, Pizza was also staged much to the delight of the visitors as part of the festival.
|
On the significance of the event, founder member of League of Fellow Patriots Athokpam Priyokumar explained that Goddess Emoinu is the goddess of wealth and is closely related to the socio-economy of the State.
At the time of marriage ceremony of Meeteis, Phiruk Nungshang is kept at Phunga Lairu ( the sacred site where Goddess Emoinu reside in a house) is kept for five days to see what the future holds for the newly wed couple.
At the time of child birth and solemnisation of Epan-Thaba rituals too, Emoinu is worshipped, he pointed out.
It is said that League of Fellow Patriots has been organising Emoinu festival every year since 1978 attracting large number of devotees from all over the State.
On the other hand, on the occasion of Emoinu Iratpa Numit (Emoinu Worship Day), Leihou-Nunghou Sanglen, Pena Loishang organised day-long book fair at Pena Loishang, Chingmeirong West, DM Road here today.
Books related to Meetei Puya, Yek-Salai, Pena, etc were displayed at the fair.
Three books namely Leingak Salai, Marjing Khunthoklon and Salai Mingkheiron Thouram, were also released at the occasion attended by Director of Industries, Co-operation and Affairs (APO) O Dhaneshwor Meetei as chief gust, Pandit Achouba Singh as functional president and social worker M Nungshitombi as guest of honour.
Papers on Meetei Puya and Lairembi Emoinu Ahongbi Iratlon Thouram were also read out.