294th Puya Meithaba observed, Dominic Ahao honoured
Yumnam Radheshaym calls for preserving culture and religion
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 15 2023:
International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP), Kangleipak observed the 294th Puya Meithaba Ningsing Kummon at Kangla Uttra, here, as well as at Elangkhangpokpi Mamang Leikai community hall in Kakching district on Sunday.
The Kakching event was attended by ICOP vice chairman Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba as president and Hiyanglam A/C MLA Dr Yumnam Radheshyam as chief guest.
Speaking at the event, MLA Radheshyam recalled the unfortunate event that occurred on 23rd day of Manipuri lunar month of Wakching in 1729 wherein books on religion, culture and others written in Meetei script were all burnt during the reign of king Pamhei-ba (1709-1747) .
The tragic event is being remembered as 'Puya Meithaba' .
It is a black day in the history of Kangleipak in which a Hindu missionary Santi Das Gosai from Sylhet swayed the then king Pamheiba and set on fire the 'puya' so as to spread Hinduism.
The incident drastically impacted the culture, religion and tradition of the region, he added, while urging the people to preserve and protect the lost religion and culture by remembering the day.
Delivering the key note address, ICOP Kangleipak convenor Moirangthem Naokhamba recalled how Meetei National Front (MNF) has been observing Puya Meithaba from 1975 and continued that the fruit of such observance began to bear as the misunderstanding between the hills and valley has been addressed and the bond of brotherhood strengthened.
Replacing of Bengali script by Meetei Mayek is also one of the results of the continued observance of Puya Meithaba, he added.
Earlier, floral tributes were paid as a mark of respect to the forefathers in front of Kangla Uttra and 'Puya Mikonba' ritual was performed at Kangla Heikrumakhong.
Acknowledging the roles taken by late Elangbam Tompok Meetei of Elangkhangpokpi in the revivalist movement, 'Maichou Ningsing Mana-2023' was handed over to the family of late Tompok and RS Dominic Ahao of Ukhrul district was honoured with 'Chingmi-Tammi Lipun Mana, 2023' for his tireless efforts towards strengthening the fraternal bond between the hills and the valley people during the observance.