286th Puya Mei-thaba commemoration day observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, January 13 2015: "Puya Meithaba Day" (burning of ancient Manipuri scriptures) was observed here today with the titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba gracing the function which marked the historic event that took place 286 years ago.

Addressing the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba said, "The burning of Manipuri scriptures in 1729 was a great loss to the people of Kangleipak (Manipur).

Remembering this event is our responsibility" .

But he disagreed with the two different theories that the Puya Meithaba took place on the 17th day of Mera month and 23rd day of Mera month in Meitei Calendar.

"These conflicting claims are useless" .

He also said Manipur is now witnessing frequent tension among its communities caused by huge number of outsiders in the state.

The programme was organised by International Observation Committee on Puya Mei-Thaba (ICOP) at Thau Ground.

The Puya Meithaba occurred during the reign of king Pamheiba (1709-1748).Under his command, the ancient Manipuri scriptures and cultural history was totally devastated.

Pamheiba made Hinduism the official religion and converted nearly all the Meitei people to Hinduism.

It began a new era of Manipuri literature.

Most of the early literary works found in Manipuri literature were in poetry and prose.

Some of the books were written with a combination of both prose and poetry.

The history of Manipuri literature can be traced back thousands of years with the flourishing of its civilisation.

The Meeteis had a long tradition of writing.

It is not completely clear when the archaic Meetei puyas (old scriptures) and Meetei Mayek (Manipuri Scripts) first came into existence.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of people from both the hills and valley took out a rally from the venue of the function and paid floral tributes to the ancestors in front of Kangla Utra (Kangla Fort gate).

A puya meekonba, a ritual ceremony was also performed by priests and priestesses to mark the occasion.

Maichou Ningshing Mana (award) was conferred on late Akoijam Nodiyachand, the Maichou Purel of the royal palace of Manipur.

Ching-tam Nugshi Khudol Mana was awarded to Dr Ngohorsai, chairman of R Suisa Trust.

Both awards carry Rs 10,000 each, a certificate and a shawl.

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