Need to preserve rites-de-passage: Prof Gunindro
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 18 2024: The closing function of the fortnight long workshop on rites-de-passage of Sanamahi Lainingthou, organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB) in association with Manipur university of Culture (MUC), was held at the LSTB, Haying Khongbal Uphong Yumpham on Wednesday.

Presided over by LSTB vice president Bidyapati Senjam, the valedictory function was attended by MUC vice chancellor Prof Paonam Gunin dro as chief guest, registrar Laishram Radhakanta, BSEM chairman Akham Joykumar Singh and State Central Library chief librarian Urmila Devi as guests of honour.

In his speech, Prof Gunindro emphasised the importance of preserving the rites-de-passage of Lainingthou Sanamahi in its original and truest forms, as practiced by Manipuri forefathers.

This will help the world in recognising rituals and culture, he said, while adding that it is duty of all to preserve culture and traditions.

He then conveyed that since the workshop was first launched in 2022, it has been attended by over 200 delegates including Meetei diaspora from Bangladesh, Myanmar and other Indian states.

LSBT member secretary Maisnam Shivdutta Luwang informed that the third edition of the workshop was attended by 218 delegates including national and international diaspora.

27 resource persons including Kabui community following Lainingthou Sanamahi presented demonstrations on 30 different topics.

He further informed that a library, "Loushingkol" has been opened at Laininthou Sanamahi shrine to facilitate in depth study about Sanamahism.

He continued that the Sanamahism religion was deleted during the 2011 census, which was unfortunate.

However, he expressed firm belief that the religion would be recognised during the 2025 census, and appealed to all to help increase the number of Sanamahi followers.

As part of the function, certificates were distributed to the participating delegates.

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