Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02:
Mera Chahou-Chongba, the traditional ritual of thanksgiving to the Almighty for the year's bumper harvest and community feasting of the delicacies prepared from the newly reaped vegetables and crops, was held at Kharam Leikot Village under Lamlai Assembly Constituency today.
Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba was the chief guest of the event attended by the villagers of Kharam Leikot and its surrounding areas.
The function was jointly organised by Ethno-Heritage Council (Hericoun) and Kharam Leikot Chahou Chongba Committee.
According to legends, people living in the hilly region of Manipur are considered the elder brothers of the those who have settled in the valley area.
The underlining essence of Mera Chahou-Chongba ritual is invitation of the younger brother by his elder brother for a day of feasting and merry making after the year's harvest.
Speaking at the occasion, the titular king said although religious difference had created a great chasm between the hill and the valley people at some point of history, the relationship between the two brothers has been steadily improving day by day.
For further improvement of the existing relationship, inter-marriage among the people of different communities should be encouraged, proposed the titular king.
Village Chiefs and headmen who spoke at the occasion also observed that notion of purity and discrimination that used to be there is almost non-existent today.