Puya Meithaba Numit observed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 22 2021:
Puya Mei Thakhibagi Apunba Ningsing Lup (PUMANIL) observed Puya Meithaba Numit (the day sacred scriptures of Manipur were burnt) in a low-key manner due to COVID-19 pandemic in front of Uttra Shanglen on Friday.
While informing people about the subdued observance, a PUMANIL statement expressed regret for its inability to allow large gathering at the observance function and condemned administration for disallowing the media to cover the event.
According to the PUMANIL statement issued by its vice chairman Sanjit Soraisam, sacred scriptures of Manipur were burnt on the 17th day of Mera month of Manipuri calendar (October 5, 1732) in front of Kangla Uttra Shanglen after the then king Garibniwas (Pamheiba) was influenced by Hindu priest Santadas Gosai to do so.
After Santadas Gosai told the king that 'Meitei' Mayek script was not for humans but a difficult script for God, all available sacred Puyas (books) were collected and burnt on this day in 1732 right in front of Kangla Uttra Shanglen.