Shri Bijoy Govinda's Halangkar : Cultural History Of Manipur

Dr. Ch. Jamini Devi *

Halangkar - Last Day of Yaosang at Shree Bijoy Gobind Temple on 31 March 2013 :: Pix - Daniel Chabungbam

Each year, on the 20th day of Lamta, there is a celebration of the Halangkar in the Bijoy Govinda compound. This festival is closely tied to the "Lai Keithel Kaba" tradition that was around at the time of Meiding-u Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (c. 33-154) and Meiding-u Taothingmang (c. 264-364).

In those days, Lai Keithel Kaba was celebrated to promote prosperity in the land by bidding the old year goodbye, and welcoming the new year.

On the 20th day of Lamta, in an area in the principality of Khwai Nungjeng Piba., the celebration was carried out according to tradition.

In the olden days, on this day, Lainuras (young female deities) held markets and sold articles, and both deities and humans bought food and other articles and held feasts.

In Halangkar, humans replace deities and recreate the festival at Shri Bijoy Govinda. The elaborate celebration of the Lei Keithel Kaba of the ancient times is today observed in a much reduced scale, by simple offerings of "Kabok Heibok" made to God.

One of the most breathtakingly beautiful parts or moments of the Halangkar festival is the group Sankirtan programme. Lord Vishnu sets off on a grand procession from Shri Govinda's temple on top of a horse., to the sound of drumbeats and bugles, accompanied by several Holi dals.

Ministers and important officials carrying Chong-Sekpin and Garot walked alongside. The procession reaches Shri Bijoy Govinda compound. On the other hand, the Shri Govinda Pala receives Vishnu with Dhon Dhalak, Pung, Kartal and Sankirtan.

The Nipa Holi Pala and Nupi Holi Pala that number more than a hundred that had been at Shri Govinda's seva for the five days of Yaoshang (Holi), now all assemble at Shri Bijoy Govinda on this day.

The Sankirtan palas, worshippers, spectators, old people, young people, young males and women, children – it is a sea of people ! The singing, drumming, waving of flags and bibbons – it is truly a spectacle not to be found anywhere on this earth.

The Halangkar, where Shri Govinda and Shri Bijoy Govinda come together and play the Holi, is considered highly significant because on this occasion, the citizens and the high ranking officials stand together to serve the deities.

Shri Govinda Sana Pala assumes the role of the people of Nandagram, and Shri Bijoy Govinda's Brajamai pala the role of Shrimati Radhika's attendants. They play the Holi and throw colours at one another.

There is a performance of the Halangkar in the form of a dance drama, which consists of scenes such as the Brajamais running after the Brajagopis with sticks at being teased.

This festival, now 226 years old, has been celebrated each year since the 20th day of Lamta in the year c. 1779.

As stated earlier, this festival was established by Rajarshi Bhagyachandra, with his uncle Mantri Punshiba Anantasai Nongpok Leirikhomba, by coming together some elements of the old Meitei religious tradition and the Radha Krishna Holi Leela of Vaishnivism.

(Extracted from the book 'Cultural History of Manipur' by Dr. Ch. Jamini Devi)