Liangmais Chagah fest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2012: With the theme 'Culture identifies a community,' Chagah festival of the Liangmais was celebrated today amidst pomp and show at Taphou Liangmai ground in Senapati district.

The celebration programme was graced by MLA L Dikho; Joint Director of TRI, Z Solomon and Director of Art and Culture, Dr K Sobita as the chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively while Secretary of Manipur State Kala Akademi, S Vedeshwar was the special guest.

Liangmai is one of the indigenous communities of NE India, whose significant presence is felt in Manipur and Nagaland.

Chagah is a festival of both war and sanctification, which practically is a festival of male.

They used to restrain from taking creepers during the festival in the belief that they would be stumbled by the creepers if they take them during the festival.

Male members also restrained from any contact with female counterparts.

Significantly, site for jhum field is also selected during the celebration period.

Speaking at the occasion, MLA L Dikho said mutual love, respect and understanding among all communities of the State are must for peaceful coexistence of all the communities.

Peace and development would come when there is mutual love while also stressing on the need to preserve cultures of each community.

Highlighting the need to organise activities relating to art and cultural across the State, Dr K Sobita urged all concerned to extend cooperation when such activities are staged outside the confinement of Imphal area.

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