CSOs observe 'Mera Houchongba' with different communities
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 31 2020: Six Civil Society Organisations namely, Indigenous Minority of Manipur (IMOM), Haomee Research Guild Manipur (HRGM), Manipur Peace and Integrity Council (MAPI Council), Indigenous Minority Socio-Cultural Organisation, Manipur (IMSCOM), United Peoples' Front (UPF) and United Club of Langol (UCL) also joined hands to celebrate '3rd Mera Houchongba' today at Langol Ningthou Leikai community hall.

IMOM's president, Medun Maring; MAPI Council's president, N Bimol; HRGM advisor, Awangshi Shingtara; IMSCOM's president Momsokam Bapui; UPF's president W Second and UCL's convenor Samom Dhruba attended the function as presidium members.

CSOs observe 'Mera Houchongba' with different communities

Speakers at the function delved into the origin of the celebration and how it evolved over time.

MAPI Council's president, N Bimol briefed about the origin of the celebration which is held annually on the full moon of Mera since 33 AD during the reign of Ibudhou Pakhangba by referring books and words from experts.

He also stated that the celebration was conceived after considering the ill effects of frequent war among communities which were hindering developments.

It is believed that the celebration was further widened during the reign of 'Meidingu Irengba', he said.

The day is celebrated to uphold the brotherly love and bonds between the hills and valley people and it has been celebrated annually at the palace along with various rituals and prayers including erection of a bamboo fitted with lamp (Mera thaomei) .

Not only this, the trend of exchanging gifts between hills and valley people, presentation of cultural dances etc ensue and it is celebrated till date, he continued.

The day is thus celebrated as a mark of respect to the beautiful tradition left by our forefathers, he continued while seeking support from all to keep the tradition intact and pass it on to the coming generations.

He also lamented various forces trying to infringe the spirit of unity and collectiveness and urged all to stay united to preserve the aged tradition and history of the land.

IMSCOM's president, Bapui also stated that the day is an important day for both the hills and valley people as it mark the visit of brothers from hill to the valley on seeing the 'Mera Wa' raised by younger brothers residing in the valley and it will remain indelible in hearts of the hills and valley people forever.

It is unfortunate that some forces are trying to create division among different communities, he said while adding that no force can separate the bonding between brothers.

The celebration programme was also attended by people from different tribal communities which include, Mao, Tangkhul, Rongmei, Kuki, Thangal, Aimol, Liangmei, Kharam, Tarao, Kabui, Chiru, Purum, Koireng, Kom etc.

Gifts were also exchanged between different communities during the programme.