Ningol Chakkouba festive fair begins
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 08 2012: A six-day long Ningol chakkouba Festive Fair organised by District Handlooms and Textiles, Imphal West commenced from today at Yumnam Leikai Lairembi Lampak with Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam inaugurating the fair as the chief guest.

In his address, Minister Govindas called upon the people of Manipur to gift their sisters handloom items made by the local artisans so as to promote and encourage local products.

stating that proficiency of handloom workers is also one of the contributing factors for the recognition of Manipur in other parts of the country or abroad, he also noted that over 2.18 lakh women of Manipur are involved in the profession.

To sustain the profession and further enhance economic viability of handloom industry Government of Manipur is planning to set up a Rs 700 crore Mega Handloom Park at Lamboi khongnangkhong, said the Minister.

Speaking at the occasion, PHE Minister I Hemochandra noted that handloom industry is the only notable industry in the State that involves almost every indigenous community settled here for ages.

Apart from the trade enabling the women/female members to generate income for family sustenance the profession had been enriching reputation of the Manipuri womenfolk as skilled weavers, said Hemochandra who also emphasised that qualitative aspect of the handloom products should be maintained.

Inauguration of the Fair, being participated by 119 stall runners, was also attended by Additional Director (Com & Ind) V Tualthang and Project Manager of Imphal West District Handlooms and Textiles M Rajen .

Though Ningol Chak-kouba is a traditional Meitei festival, other communities too have started celebrating the festival.

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