South East Asia Cultural Organisation (SEACO) urges
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 09 2012: South East Asia Cultural Organisation (SEACO) has urged the general public, scholars and intellectuals of Manipur to share knowledge and suggestions regarding celebrations of Lainingthou Pistao Khutheiba and Ahong Khong Chingba.

A press release issued by the general secretary of SEACO said, with the advent of Hinduism in Manipur, Lainingthou Pistao Khutheiba was replaced with Vishwa Karma Puja and Ahong Khong Chingba with Kang (Rath Yatra) .

It said that social and religious life of the people of Manipur witnessed a sea change from August 28, 1709 .

Indigenous culture and traditions of Kangleipak (Manipur) was changed into the culture of Hinduism since the day, it said and adding that it happened during the reign of King Pamheiba.

As the people of Kangleipak were forced to adopt the Hindu traditions, the current generation is hard to trace the footrpints of Meitei forefathers.

Meitei people were used to celebrate Lainingthou Pistao Khutheiba acknowledging the speciality of craftsmen of Kangleipak.

However, it was replaced with Vishwa Karma Puja with the coming of Hinduism, it added.

The same thing happened to Ahong Khong Chingba as well, it was replaced with Kang (Rath Yatra) .

So, SEACO is planning to regenerate the two celebrations, it said and adding that suggestions and expert views are sought in this regard.

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