Activists share views on Ningol Chakkouba
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 12 2015:
Different social activists and civil society organisation leaders have shared their views on the bond of love between brothers and sisters and communal harmony on the occasion of Ningol Chakkouba festival.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, Imphal Tangkhul Shanao Long president Grace Shatsang said that Ningol Chakkouba is a solemn occasion which comes once in a year.
Saying that sisters are invited to their parental homes by their brothers for lunch on the day, Shatsang said that the festival reminds the bond of love between brothers and sisters.
The day is more significant for the families whose daughters are married to the men of other communities, she observed.
She said that these daughters visit their parental homes and share their experiences with their families on the day.
Such sharing of ideas and experiences and mingling with people of other communities would definitely enhance the harmony in the State, she observed.
On the other hand, she urged the public to celebrate the day in a most simple way by not diluting the real essence of the festival.
Shatsang said that the festival would become a burden to poor families if people indulge in the competition of presenting expensive gifts to their daughters and sisters.
Observing that organising Ningol Chakkouba for the daughters of hill areas by civil society organisations is a positive development, Shatsang said that she believes that no other part of the world celebrates such a festival like Ningol Chakkouba.
Former Member of Manipur State Commission for Women, June Rose said that the festival is the celebration of bond between brothers and sisters.
As such, sisters and daughters must never asked their parental family for expensive gifts, she observed.
Contending that Manipuri women are avid and delightful when the festival comes, June Rose said that she is so pleased that a Meitei family has invited her for Ningol Chakkouba this year.
On the other hand, June Rose urged the brothers not to indulge in intoxicants while celebrating the festival.
Maintaining that it is the male members of the society who uplift the status of their female counterparts, June Rose urged the people of Manipur to celebrate the festival in a peaceful manner.
Saying that the increasing rate of crime against women has panicked the female populace, she urged the public to stand firm against domestic violence.
Saying that Manipuri women have been taking active part in all major issues, June Rose urged the women of the State to put in collective effort in bringing unity.
All Manipur Social Reformation and Development Samaj secretary (organisation) Pangeijam Sobita said that people of different communities have been celebrating Ningol Chakkouba together since pre-historic time.
However, Manipur saw a divide between hill and valley people after valley people adopted Hinduism, she said.
Saying that the festival has however regained its lost significance which is vital for communal harmony now, Sobita said that inter-ethnic marriage would enhance the bond of love between hill and valley people.
United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation publicity secretary Ahmedi Begum said that it is delightful to take part in Ningol Chakkouba celebrations organised by civil society organisations at different places.
Ahmedi Begum also wished that the festival may bring unity, love and integrity in the State.
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