Ningol Chakkouba greetings
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 27 2011:
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, IGAR (South) Major General UK Gurung, GOC 57 Mtn Div, Maj Gen Binoy Poonen and others have conveyed their warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival, which is being celebrated tomorrow.
In his message to the people, Ibobi observed that the festival of Ningol Chakkouba reinforces the fraternal and protective bond that exists between brothers and sisters, and parents and daughter since time immemorial.
The Chief Minister noted that though the festival is being originally observed by the Meitei community, the celebration has now encompassed other communities and tribes in Manipur, thereby promoting unity and emotional integration in the State.
"Let us imbibe the ideals associated with this festival to foster the spirit of amity, harmony and goodwill in our lives", the Chief Minister wished.
Extending his warm greeting and sincere goodwill to the people of Manipur, IGAR (South) Major General UK Gurung prayed that his festival heralds an era of peace, progress and prosperity in the region and enhance the spirit of unity, cohesiveness and brotherhood amongst the people of the state.
GOC 57 Mountain Division Major General Binoy Poonen has also extended greetings to the people of Manipur on the auspicious occasion of Ningol Chakkouba.
In his message, the Major General pointed out that Ningol Chakkouba is a significant festival for the married women in Manipur and it is celebrated to rejuvenate family ties and strengthen the bond of love and affection between parents, brothers and married sisters/daughters.
May this festival also strengthen the bond of love and affection between all the communities of the sate to usher in a new era of peace, harmony and reconciliation in Manipur, the message added.
All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers' Welfare Association (AMRDPWA) has also conveyed its Ningol Chakkouba greeting to all the people of Manipur, specially the 'Ningols' who have been married to another family or clan.
In a statement, President of AMRDPWA Thokchom Basanta Singh observed that it is on the day of Ningol Chakkouba that the brothers invite their sisters, who have married to another family or clan, for sharing a meal together.
After the meal, the brothers present some simple gifts to their sisters, who in turn showered blessing on their brothers.
Let the significance of this festival be not lost in the craze for Dakshina, he called, while wishing for peace and amity among all the people on the special occasion of Ningol Chakkouba which is to be celebrated all over the state tomorrow.
Manipur State Janata Party, Manipur Students' Federation (MSF), All India Youth Federation (AIYF), Manipur State Council, etc have also conveyed their Ningol Chakkouba greetings to the people.