Meet highlights civilisational significance of Lai Haraoba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 05 2024: A one-day panel discussion on the topic "Lai Haraobada Yumsarol" (Science of Architecture in Lai Haraoba) was held at the GP Women's College auditorium on Saturday.

The event, organised jointly by the Research Forum Manipur and the department of Art & Culture, aimed to shed light on the intricate cultural and civilisational elements embedded in the rituals of Lai Haraoba, with particular focus on Yumsarol, the traditional science of architecture.

Manipur University of Culture (MUC) vice-chancellor Prof Paonam Gunindro, who attended the event as chief guest, highlighted the connection between Lai Haraoba, the indigenous people's civilisational history, and religious traditions.

He emphasised that the rituals of Lai Haraoba are unique in the global religious landscape, offering a reflection of the indigenous Meetei community 's way of life and belief systems.

Lai Haraoba is a festival that mirrors the creation of man and the birth of civilisation, Prof Gunindro stated.

He praised the department of art & culture for taking the initiative to seek recognition of Lai Haraoba as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

With such recognition, he noted, it would not only honour the cultural significance of the festival but also provide substantial research materials on the traditional science of architecture, or Yumsarol, which offers detailed insights into the methods and principles behind house construction.

The spells and rituals (Lairol) used in Lai Haraoba were not invented randomly but have been passed down through generations since time immemorial, Prof Gunindro added.

He stressed the importance of preserving these traditions, particularly for younger generations, who he believes have much to learn from the rituals of Lai Haraoba.

"To uphold our identity, it is essential for the younger generation to learn and understand their own traditions, culture, social conduct, and history," he remarked.

Research Forum Manipur president Prof Ch Ibohal presided over the event, while the forum's founder president Dr N Birchandra was present as the guest of honour.

In his remarks, Prof Ibohal explained that the panel discussion was organised to increase awareness among younger generations about the wealth of knowledge embedded in Lai Haraoba.

He highlighted that the festival's rituals encompass essential elements of the Meetei community's civilisational history, and Yumsarol is a sacred architectural code that is deeply revered and followed by every member of the community.

The event also featured presentations by resource persons, including Mutua Museum director Mutua Bahadur, and MUC department of Umang Lai Haraoba guest faculty Longjam Tombi.

They both delved into the broader significance of the festival and its intricate elements, offering insights into how these traditions continue to shape the cultural identity of the Meetei people.

The panel discussion successfully brought to the forefront the cultural and spiritual depth of Lai Haraoba, highlighting its role in preserving the civilisational history and traditional knowledge of the Meetei community.

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