Poumais display their best on Glory Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 18 2011:
The Poumai community of the State celebrated the Asah Ral Ya Teithe (Glory Day) festival for two days at Paomata Centre ground, Senapati district with much elan and
gusto.
The principal essence of the festival is incantation by Poumai elders to please the Almighty for abundant blessing and overall welfare of the community.
The festival celebrated for two days was attended by around 12,000 Poumai people from Khumai Khullen, T Afei, T Makhufei and T Paomata Centre.
The main feature of the celebration was offering of the year's food to god with a prayer for good health and prosperity followed by a feast together.
The festival also featured traditional dance and music as well as sports competitions.
On March 16, the opening day of the festival, villagers of four villages, created specially for the festival, clad in traditional attires took a procession to Paomata Centre ground, the main venue of the festival.
On arrival at the ground, village chiefs and village authority leaders of the four units offered thanksgiving prayer to god.
Later, social worker W Joram formally opened the festival by hoisting the flag of Khumai (Tunggam) Union.
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Speaking at the occasion as chief guest, W Joram emphasised on the need to preserve and promote the culture and heritage left behind by Paomei ancestors for future generations.
"It would not be correct to abandon our rich culture and tradition when every community is working hard to preserve their cultural heritage as well as past traditions", Joram said.
He also appealed to the gathering to work towards highlighting the culture and traditions of Paomei community before the world.
March 17, the concluding day was marked by presentation of traditional dance and music as well as competitions in indigenous games known as Rai Apai, Khadou Dao, Kothrou-Tou, Madoi-Aphya, Dao Ava, Koka-ka and Khaotsei-Khao.
The winners of these competitions were honoured with prizes.
Meanwhile, organising committee of the festival has conveyed gratitude to 5 Assam Rifles for providing drinking during the festival.