Puya Meithaba observed solemnly
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 15 2023:
The International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP) observed the commemoration programme of Puya Meithaba (burning of sacred scriptures of Manipur) at Kangla and Elangkhangpokpi in Kakching district, today.
Rituals were held at Kangla while a public event was organised at Elangkhangpokpi with Hiyanglam AC MLA Yumnam Radheshyam in attendance.
At the event, the MLA said that the e /ent of Puya Meithaba will always be remembered by the people of Manipur with a heavy heart as many important lessons and key features on the culture, tradition, lifestyle, State administration etc were clearly mentioned in the ancient scripture of Manipur.
Saying that Manipuris couldn't learn much about their ancestors due to the burning of Puyas, the MLA said "we must strive to trace the footsteps of our forefathers instead of just holding the commemoration programme".
Convenor of ICOP Kangleipak Moirangthem Noakhamba and MEELAL president Kh Ingocha also attended the commemoration programme and they spoke about the contribution of Chingsubam Akaba, former leader of Meitei National Front (MNF) in the movement leading to the observation of commemoration programme of Puya Mei Thaba.
They said that the first commemoration programme of Puya Mei Thaba was held in 1978 at the forest of Mongba Hanba under the guidance of Akaba by MNF and they continued to do so till 2010.ICOP has been organising the programme since 2011, they added.
During the observance, Maichou Ningshing Mana 2023 was given to Elangbam Tompok Meetei from Elangkhangpokpi while Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun Mana 2023 was conferred on RS Dominic Ahao from Ukhrul.
A Shumang Kumhei 'Kangleipakta 1709' was also staged as a part of the commemoration programme.