Mera Chaoren Houba: Celebrating bond of unity
Unity can only be brought through preservation of our own faith and religion: Minister Ratankumar
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 16 2012:
Heralding the advent of autumn, Mera Chaoren Houba festival was celebrated with traditional fervor and gaiety under the aegis of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board at Haying Khongbal Tolong Yumpham which is located inside the present complex of Ist MR here today.
Mera Chaoren Houba is the traditional festival of the Manipur celebrated on the first day of Mera, the seventh month of Meetei Lunar calendar.
The festival heralds the advent of autumn season after scorching summer.
Today's celebration was marked by a rally starting from Haying Khongbal Tolong Yumpham till the sacred Kangla from where the rallyists collected holy water and then proceeded back to Haying Khongbal where the main observance was held with Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar; former Minister and President of Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, L Jayentakumar and MLA K Meghachandra as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Kh Ratankumar said that with the advent of Christianity in Manipur, the people of the hills embraced Christianity whereas the people of the plains continue to follow their own religion.
Subsequently, the gap between the two brethren widens.
"We cannot change the history, no doubt; but if we continue to protect and preserve our age old faith, customs and traditions together, we can bring back unity among the different communities settling in the state", the Minister observed.
MLA K Meghachandra pointed out that every one of us has our own customs and tradition and it is duty of every individual to safeguard their faiths, customs and traditions.
We cannot claim ourselves to be developed by following the faiths and customs of others.
Protecting and preserving one's customs and religion means paying respect to their parents.
Mera Chouren Houba festival was also celebrated at Utra Shanglen, Palace Compound today with titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba as Functional President.
Speaking at the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba said that Mera Chaoren Houba is being observed on the first day of Mera, the seventh month of Meetei Lunar calendar, in the state from since time immemorial.
During the entire month of Mera, various religious rites and rituals including Mera Santuba, Mera Kwak Tanba, Mera Hou Chongba, etc are observed.
Thus, the month of Mera is also the time when love between the people of the hills and the plains are best exhibited.
The titular king also appealed to all the people living in the state who are following different religions to live in peace and solidarity from this day on and prayed to the almighty god for a bumper harvest this year.
The function was attended by Maichous, Amaibas and Amaibis and other members of Utra Shanglen.