Kangla boat-yard
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21 2013:
Amid religious rituals chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today inaugurated the 'Hijagang' (boat-yard) of Kangla and formally dedicated to the public four dugouts, closely associated with the religious history of the Meitei people.
Of the four dugouts two are prototypes of the ancient canoes believed to be have been used by the male (Ibudhou) and female (Ibendhou) deities sacred to the majority community while the other two were used during boat races by the commoners.
In Meiteilon, the former dugouts are referred as Hiyang Hirel with the racing boats known as Tanna Hees.
The CM, who assessed the sacred canoes, were briefed on its religious significance by the Director (Art & Culture) Dr K Sobita devi, State Archaeology Superintendent K Dinamani and Commissioner (Art & Culture) RK Nimai Singh.
MLAs E Chand Singh, K Meghachandra and L Ibomcha also attended the inauguration ceremony.
According to RK Nimai, logs for sculpting the Hiyang Hirels were brought to Kangla on June 6, 2007 with the actual work commencing two days later by a four-member team headed by craftsman L Thoiba.
Informing that a total of Rs 14 lakhs were spent in sculpting the canoes as well as construction of the boat-yard, RK Nimai stated that the Hiyang Hirels were carved out of U-ningthou (tree) variety while Tairen logs were used for the racing boats.
It is said that the Hiyang Hirel of Ibudhou measures 64.2 feet long with breadth of 36 inches and stands 63 inches high.
The Hiyang Hirel of Ibendhou is 60 feet long, 35 inches wide and 57 inches high.
Size of the racing boats have been put at 52 feet long and 31.5 inches wide and 51 ft and 31 inches respectively.