Mera Chaoren Houba festival begins in Royal Palace
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 14 2015:
The festival of Mera Chaorel Houba, which symbolizes rejuvenation of the age-old bond of the people of hills and valley, kicked-off at Uttra Shanglen, Sana Konung (Royal Palace) here on Wednesday.
On the auspicious occasion, priest and priestesses and the common people alike prayed to the indigenous deities and offerings were made at Kangla.
Mera Chaoren Houba is celebrated every year on the first day of the month of Mera in Meetei calendar since time immemorial.
Titular king of Manipur, Leishemba Sanajaoba graced the ceremonial function at the Royal Palace.
He said the festival is celebrated to seek blessings from God for peace and bountiful harvests.
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This festival is aimed at promoting and enlivening the age-old relationships between the hills and plains, the titular king affirmed.
A series of events will mark the festival at the Royal Palace and one of them being the "Mera Mei Eratpa" (worshiping of fire) to ward off occurrence of unfortunate events in future, Leishemba said.
He informed that the sacred fire lighted on Wednesday will be kept on burning for seven days.
The titular king said this celebration of Mera Chaoren Houba will last for 15 days which begins on the first day of Mera month and culminates on the full moon day of Mera.
Leishemba said during the celebration there will be exchange of gifts and sharing of feasts between the people of the hills and the valley.