MP Sanajaoba calls for monthly congregation at Umang Laibung
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 07 2022:
Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba has emphasised the need for monthly congregation at Umang Laibung instead of just celebrating the festival once a year.
Attending the inauguration of the Shanglen of Ibudhou Chajing Lakpa, which was constructed through crowd funding by Chajing Lakpa Poreiromba Thougal Ashil Lup, on Friday, Sanajaoba pointed out that Ibudhou Chajing Lakpa is an important Umang Lai (sylvan deity), which is mentioned in many historical accounts.
While terming as heartening that the Shanglen was constructed through crowdfunding by the people of Chajing, he, however, lamented that some sections of the public are opposing relocation of the deity to the new Shanglen.
As such, he called for a united stand against such anti-people activities.
The titular king also spoke on the role played by Umang Laikon in environment protection and said that such arrangements show how the community was aware of the importance of environment since olden days.
The present generation seems to be taking Umang Lai Haraoba as an entertainment programme, which is unfortunate as festival has many religious rituals, which show the history and evolution of mankind.
The Meetei community lacks congregation and Umang Laibung can be utilised as a perfect location for regular congregation instead of just celebrating the festival once a year.
Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited chairman Karam Shyam said that he planned to construct the new Shanglen from the MLA local area development fund.
However, titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba advised against his plan and donated Rs 3 lakh.
He also donated Rs 5 lakh for the construction which has been done at a total cost of about Rs 30 lakh.
The remaining Rs 22 lakh was collected through crowd-funding by the local people, he said.
The MLA, also expressed remorse that some people are objecting to the plan of shifting the deity to the new Shanglen even though the new Shanglen was constructed observing all formalities and rituals after consulting with elders.
Karam Shaym also cautioned of initiating legal action if they continue to obstruct.
Planning & Development Authority (PDA) chairman MLA Lourembam Rameshwar called for protect ing and preserving the indigenous culture and tradition.
One cannot achieve true development by ditching their own culture and tradition, he said.
Observing that the Meetei community celebrates numerous festivals, he called for reducing some festivities, especially non-indigenous festivals so that the society could di vert its attention towards meaningful activities.
He also called for a united effort to protect and promote the Meetei community.
Chajing Lakpa Poreiromba Thougal Ashil Lup president Wairokpam Joychandra also attended the programme.