39th birth anniversary of Laiyingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10 2014: Laiyingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup celebrated its 39th birth anniversary yesterday at Laiyingthou Sanamahi Temple Haying Khongbal Tolong Yumpham, 1st MR, Imphal.

The programme was graced by former MLA Langpoklakpam Jayenta, laiyingthou Sanamahi Temple Board; former MLA RV Minthang and Oinam Menjor Khuman, Leader, Laiyingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup as chief guest, Guest of honour and president respectively.

Delivering the keynote address, Laiyingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup secretary, Laithangbam joy recounted the history of the Laiyingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup.

The Lup was established in the year 1975.The idols of Ema Leimaren Sidabi and Lainingthou Sanamahi, currently worshipped at the present Sanamahi temple, were formerly posited at Keishamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak at the residence of Leihaothabam Surjamani.

39th birth anniversary of Laiyingthou Sanamahi Thougal Kanglup

The shifting of the idols from its former place created a serious state's issue wherein two of the Lup's members died, many injured and still more were jailed.

Later, on the 29th day of Langban, as per the Meitei calender, of 1976, the idols were placed in the sanamahi Temple.

Chief guest L Jayenta expressed that the understanding of one's identity requires a true knowledge of one's roots.

To keep a culture alive and see it progress, one must follow and understand the traditions and customs, language of the community he/she resides in.

He, therefore, appealed the masses to save the religious traditions of the Manipuris from extinction in the hands of the new encroaching religions.

He further extended his earnest request to the people to help the Lup in organising this year's Chaorel Houba in a grand way.

Speaking on the occasion, former MLA, RV Minthing recalled the era where every community in the State settled peacefully.

When kabo valley was under the rule of Manipur kings, people lived in complete harmony without any religious distinction as such.

The land had its own language, its own script, its own religious beliefs.

He added that peace, unity and harmony, however, seem to have been shaken in recent years with its traditions and religious beliefs slipping away from the hands of the new generations.