Ningol Chakkouba at IGAR (S)
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 31 2011:
Ningol Chakkouba festival was celebrated by HQ IGAR(South) at Mantripukhri Garrison today.
Womenfolk from various walks of life and communities of the state were invited.
Major General UK Gurung, IGAR(S) who hosted the Ningol Chakkouba extended a traditional welcome to the Ningols drawn from the majority Meitei, Muslim and tribal communities.
The womenfolk on their part offered fruits and other eatables (Athenpot) to the host in as is the practice of this festival.
Ningol Chakkouba is a celebration of the bond of love between the siblings and between the parents and their daughters specially the married ones who come home on this day to share a meal with their siblings and parents.
Prominent woman dignitaries like Padmashree Ksh Thouranishabi Devi, Dr Ch Jamini Devi, Ex-Chairperson, Manipur State Commission for Women, Mrs Sawmi Woleng, Educationist and Ch Rani Devi, International Designer, alley Rose, Editor Aza among others graced the occasion.
Sharing their thoughts on the occasion, the ladies expressed their joy at being able to be part of such a gathering of ningols from various communities in this celebration of Ningol Chakkouba.
Many of the speakers dwelled on the significance and the history of the festival while at the same time thanking Maj Gen UK Gurung for organizing such a festival.
They showered their blessings on the host and wished for a peaceful and prosperous Manipur and a cordial relation between the security forces and the general public.
The IGAR(S) on his part, appreciated the invaluable contribution of the Manipuri folk in all walks of life and added, it was an honour to host the Ningols, who are like sisters to them.
IGAR(S) appealed to the womenfolk to continue their inimitable role of maintaining peace, development and harmony in the society.
Emphasising that the state is undergoing a transformation and in the current milieu it is the women who can make difference.
Major General UK Gurung, IGAR(S) has treaded an unconventional path which will be milestone in strengthening the bond with the locals and christened festival as "IGAR(South) Ningol Chakkouba" .
The Ningol Chakkouba function also witnessed musical offerings from noted singers Sarita Gazmer and Ranbir Thouna.
Later, the ningols were offered a grand feast and presented with gifts as a token of love and affection.