Maram basks under Kang-he fest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 07 2013:
Kang-he festival, an annual high point of the Maram tribe of the State, was celebrated amidst pomp and show at Maram Khullen in Senapati district under the initiative of Maram Students' Union (MKS) .
Naked wrestling competition, the most significant sporting event of the festival, was held on January 6, the fourth day of the festival.
The competition was witnessed among the three clans of the Marams wherein male members of each clan assembled at the traditional king's courtyard.
The five-day long festival witnessed display of various sports including hunting of birds with bare hands, long-jump, shot-put, and other games.
Among others, the winner of the naked wrestling competition was honoured and placed in high esteem by the Marams.
Significantly, no female members of the community were allowed to venture near the sporting arena and male competitors avoided having any contact with the opposite sex.
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Since the competition is meant to test the physical strength of the village youths, meats of various animals were served to the competitors prior to the competition.
Meanwhile, RD&PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa has also greeted the people of Maram on the auspicious occasion of Kang-he festival.
Conveying a warm wishes to the Maram people on the occasion, the Minister exuded confidence that celebration of the age-old festival would rekindle the 'oneness' and renew the spirit of togetherness and unity.
The essence of the festival also lies in the fact that it also serves as an occasion to purify male child of the community aged 3/4.Male members of the tribe who attained 3/4 years of age were traditionally purified by bathing/dipping them at the village pond which was followed by a ritual that accorded their membership in the society.
The annual mega festival of the Marams, Kang-he commences from December 24 in Leap Years or in January in regular years.