TODAY -
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 26:
Participated by representatives of various communities living in Manipur as well as Manipuri people who have settled outside the State, the traditional festival of Mera Houchongba was celebrated today along with traditional fervour and gaiety at Sana Konung, Kangla and Hafta Kangjeibung.
Titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba, members of Royal Council, officials, representatives of civil organisations and student bodies were also present at the occasion organised by the Mera Houchongba Thousil Lup, Sana Konung with the support of Ethno Heritage Council, United People's Front and Kabui Mothers' Association.
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Celebration of the festival symbolising the unity and fraternity among the various groups of Manipuri people commenced early morning today with rendition of Yakairol invoking the blessings of the Almighty.
After the congregation of all the people who were attired in their respective traditional dresses at the Royal Palace, the titular King led a procession till Kangla Main Sarung where the ritual ceremony of Main Tongba was performed.
Kabui Amaiba (Kabui priest) also performed the rituals of Henkhong Tamba and Yupan Thaba at Kangla Uttra to forecast the fortune of the State in the days to come.
All along the procession from the Royal Palace to Kangla and from Kangla back to Hafta Kangjeibung, located in front of the Royal Palace, the titular King was escorted by dancers and armed warriors.
The celebration reached the highest pitch at Hafta Kangjeibung where cultural dances and folk songs of various communities were performed.
Speaking on the essence of celebrating Mera Houchongba before the commencement of the cultural programme, a spokesman of organising committee, said it is a festival symbolising the spirit of unity and integrity among the different groups of people living in Manipur.
It is one of the oldest festivals dating back to Meidingu Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
But it gains prominence during the time of Meidingu Irengba.
However, after conversion to Hinduism, the festival lost its significance only to be revived again during the time of Meidingu Pareihanta (Okendrajit) and for the last five-six years the festival has been gaining popularity under the royal patronage of Leishemba Sanajaoba.
But the efforts being made by some people to organise celebration of Mera Houchongba separately in their own way, which is unthinkable without the presence of the king is really unfortunate.
As part of the celebration held at Hafta Kangjeibung, Freeway Institute of Fashion also presented a traditional fashion parade.
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