ICOP set for Puya Mei Thaba observance on Jan 15
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 07 2023:
International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP) is all set to observe the 294th anniversary of Puya Mei Thaba (the burning of Meetei ancient scriptures) at Kangla and Elangkhangpokpi in Kakching district on January 15 .
Informing media persons about the upcoming event at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen on Saturday, ICOP convener Moirangthem Naokhomba Meetei said that preparations for the observance of 294th anniversary of Puya Mei Thaba have begun.
He said that Maichou Ningshing Mana and Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun Mana instituted by ICOP will be presented on the same day.
This year's Maichou Ningshing Mana will be presented to late Elangbam Tompok of Elangkhangpokpi while Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun Mana will be given to R Dominic Ahao of Ukhrul.
Both the awards carry Rs 10,000, a citation and a shawl each.
Prior to the main observance, Black Day will be observed to condole the burning of Puya on January13 at Eternal Spring School, Sekta in Imphal East.
After three days of mourning, the main observance will begin with Puya Mikouba ceremony in front of Kangla Uttra on January 15 and it will be followed by the main observance at Elangkhangpokpi community hall in Kakching district.
According to Naokhomba, Meetei National Front started Puya Mei Thaba observance annually from the year 1978 but ICOP, a conglomerate body of different organisations of Manipur and outside, took over the responsibility of organising the observance annually from the year 2011.It was on the 23rd day of Meetei lunar month of Wakching in 1729 that important scriptures and texts indigenous to the erstwhile kingdom were collected and set ablaze in front of Kangla Uttra under the instruction of the then king.
The horrific incident marked the destruction of a civilization, he added.