TODAY -

Chang Thokpa Tradition
Discovery Of Kangleipak - 26

Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen *

Pot Lanba from the Local (leikai) folks at KhunthokHanbi Lai haraoba, Thangmeiband
Pot Lanba from the Local (leikai) folks at KhunthokHanbi Lai haraoba, Thangmeiband



If you are a Kangleicha Meetei, you hear very frequently 'Laphoi Laphang Chang Thokpa', 'Heiram Taret, Leiram Taret', 'Ngaram Taret, Sharam Taret' and you have seen also very frequently 'Luhongbada Nupina Nupada Taretlak Koiba', etc. These things are inseparable traditions of the Meetei Race of Kangleipak in every religious functions from times immemorial.

You understand them or not, you are to follow this tradition. This tradition is called the 'Chang Thokpa' tradition of the Meetei Race of Kangleipak indicating a high Wang-u-lon of the Meetei Race in relation to the Ultimate God Father of the Universe.

Then what is a 'CHANG THOKPA'?

The ancient Kangleicha Meetei Race called the Ultimate God Father (The Deathless Master) of the Universe as (Ama), ONE since time immemorial. The Puya, the scripture of the Meetei Race, Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-ilon writes in some pages as under :
" (Ama) Hailipa Mapuna Talang Malang Oina Haina Humna Leilingeita"
English "While the Master (of the Universe) called (Ama), ONE was in a formless, shapeless primordial state(Primordial state of the universe)"

" (Ama) Leipa Malamna Inunglonna Kampi Heina Koukhale".
English "As there is (Ama), ONE, it is called Kampi (Fire, Light and Heat) by Inunglon" When we use a word/concept, it is called Khunnunglon.

Khunnunglon = Khun +Nung+Lon, that is, a language, word, concept used in the Khun = Village = Habitation. Before Khunnunglon, all words/concepts are all Inunglon. Inunglon = I+Nung+Lon, that is, a word/concept in the process of creation. Inunglon is said to be God's language in the Puya.

One corollary of Meetei's Puya, scripture's statement that the only One Ultimate God Father Creator is the Fire, Light and Heat, the first conditions of life and living, we, the Kangleicha Meetei Race never perform a worship of God without a fire, light upto this day since time immemorial.

From these two short quotations from the Puya of the Meetei Race, we, in the 21st century CE, do agree (accept) that there is 'ONE' before everything, there is ONE REALITY beyond the limitations of Life and Death. The Ultimate Reality, the ancient Meetei Race called Ipung Loinapa Apakpa, is the Ever Living, Ever Creating Reality beyond the touch of everything.

The Kangleicha Meetei Race never start to think from voidness, emptiness and the Meetei Race begins from the Reality Sourcing everything. This Ultimate Reality from which everything comes out is the 'CHANG THOKPA', the Ultimate Source of everything.

CHANG THOKPA : The 'CHANG' here in the concept of 'CHANG THOKPA', in the Kanglei Wang-u-lon means Everything, without any Death-Content concept and the 'THOKPA' here means always being source of life, creation, never ending production, procreation etc. The content of 'CHANG THOKPA' is always living, always ever-living, always procreating. The concept of 'CHANG THOKPA' means the Ultimate Reality, called (Ama), ONE by the ancient Meetei Race of Kangleipak in the days of Yore.

From all these things and concepts and Ideas of the Ancient Meetei Race of Kangleipak, we are led irresistibly to 'CHANG THOKPA' is the (Ama) ONE, the symbol of the ultimate Reality called Ipung Loinapa Apakpa by the ancient Meetei Race. As the "CHANG THOKPA' concept is the concept of the ONE Reality beyond the life and death, a perpetual concept of creation and procreation etc. the ancient Kanglei Meetei Race expressed the 'CHANG THOKPA' concept in numbers.

Therefore, the first and foremost best 'CHANG THOKPA' number is the (Ama), ONE. ONE is the best number of the Meetei Race of Kangleipak. The is the symbol of the God Father Creator, the Ultimate Reality, called Singthalon Cheising Iyek (Ama) ONE by the Meetei Race of Kangleipak. The (Ama) incarnated as the Ating-aa Sitapa (Salailel Sitapa-Ipa Sorarel) later, says the Meetei Scripture.

The ancient Puya of the Meetei Race, above mentioned, clearly writes that there are seven layers of the space (Nonglon Talet). These Nonglon Talet, are the seven colours of the Seven Salais (Seven Salais dresses, Seven Salais Kokyet colours) of the Meetei Race. The Meetei Race is composed of Seven Salais (Seven Clans). The number is 7 (seven).

The Ating-aa (Nongthou, Salailel Sitapa, Ipa Sorarel in English Sky, Space) is the Incarnation (Saion) of the Ultimate Reality, (Ama), and also the Ating-aa is composed of 7 (seven colours – Nonglon Talet), the ancient Meetei Race thought the Ultimate Reality is composed of seven parts. This time the seven components of the One Ultimate Reality are called Laipungthous. There are Seven Laipungthous of the Meetei Race representing the Ultimate Reality. This is 7 (seven).

Because of these 7s in the concept of the Ultimate Reality, 7 Salais system, 7 colours concept (knowledge) etc. of the ancient Meetei Race, the best number after ONE is the number 7 (seven). In the Meetei Society follows the best 7 number system. This number 7 is known to the Meetei People as 'CHANG THOKPA' number since times immemorial.

So in every worship of the God Father, the Meetei People offer to the God Father everything in 7s for example, Heiram Taret (seven kinds of fruits), Leiram Taret (seven kinds of flowers), Ngaram Taret (seven kinds of fish), Saram Taret (seven kinds of animals) etc. In the Marriage ceremony, the bride will go round the groom seven times and put the garland on the Neck of the Groom.

In the ancient time, when the Meetei People make a sword (Khutlai Thangsang) – Khutlai = Khut + Lai = God of the Hand), they used seven components of seven Thangchas (Seven Saturdays).

As a corollary, if in any situation, if 1 or 7 (ONE or SEVEN) are not available or impractical, the Meetei Race used any ODD NUMBERS as 'CHANG THOKPA'.

So, any Laphoi Laphang composed of 9 or 11 or 13 pieces etc. is 'CHANG THOKPA' number.

A Laphoi Laphang composed of 14 laphoi pieces is a 'CHANG THOKPA' number at present, is a CHEATING PLOY to deceive the Kangleicha Meeteis to divert from the superior Wang-u-lon (Philosophy) of 'CHANG THOKPA), is invented during the Hindu Rule of Kangleipak since 18th century CE.

We, today in the 21st Century CE, see many examples of practices of 'CHANG THOKPA' tradition in building Meetei Yumchao, Sangkoi, Mompaktuba etc. in every sphere of life. Not to talk of our neighbours, the western world may be surprised to know the the USIN, CHANG THOKPA traditions of the Kanglei Meetei Race.

In the times of yore before 18th century CE, the Kangleicha Meetei Race shone as a group of mankind of a superior intellect.




* Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen is a frequent contributor to e-pao.net . The sender of this article can be contacted at gcomcc(at)gmail(dot)com
This article was webcasted on July 20 2011 .


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Draft plan for employment generation #1
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • Loingambi, Mingyashin, Chingri : eMing
  • World Radio Day at Rongdai
  • Focus on present challenges for bright future
  • Ed Sheeran brings India Tour to Shillong
  • Beauty tips for Valentine's Day
  • President's Rule has come !
  • No takers for the hot seat!
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 50 years of Pebet @MCA #1 : Gallery
  • Kwatha Pham Kaaba :: Movie Review
  • Calls for Resignation of Amit Shah
  • Meitei eschatological belief & ethnic struggle
  • Stop border fencing & restore FMR
  • Failing in a competitive exam is not the end
  • Patra, Bhalla : Men of the moment
  • Warning to social media users amid unrest
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #2 : Gallery
  • Imagi Sorat :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Daily Habits & Mindsets of High Achievers
  • Coerced legislators' resignations
  • Right wing policies threaten gender equality
  • The fall of the AAP
  • Moving fast but to which direction
  • Onus on centre to restore order in state
  • 5 flowering plants newly recorded
  • Kangleipak's Unwavering Soul :: Poem
  • Make books & newspapers your companions
  • Pulses for a diverse agriculture
  • Exam warriors redefined
  • Sheeba Chaddha at Guwahati Asian Film Fest
  • Resignation of CM sinking in
  • Resignation unlikely to help restore normalcy
  • Manipur Statehood Day @ 1st MR : Gallery
  • Mahakumbh : Not just a religious gathering
  • Nepal with largest pictorial health warnings
  • Is war profitable market for arms manufacturer
  • Our CM & party resurrected BJP in Delhi
  • Assamese Play 'Comfort Women'
  • Reading into the resignation reality
  • No stormy session for now
  • Tarao Harvesting Fest @Chandel #6 : Gallery
  • 'Vande Bharat' Dream
  • NSS Orientation Programme at MU
  • The influence of the Golden Triangle
  • The Power of Poppy - 68 :: Poem
  • Prasanna Vithanage at Guwahati Film Fest
  • Md Alimuddin, celebrated Sagol Kangjei player
  • Condemnation of Armed Football Match
  • Webinar: KM3NeT Mediterranean experiment
  • Redefining Cancer care: People-centered
  • How thought leadership can propel your career
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #3
  • Guwahati Asian Film Fest : Day 1
  • Of guns and football
  • Armed men playing football, taunting Govt
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Epom Amadei Ithak - A theatrical revisit
  • Economy of the dynamic global landscape
  • Is the Bhagavad Gita relevant today ?
  • Healthy hair in Winter
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) 2025
  • From the battlefields to Delhi
  • Speculations on replacement of Chief Minister
  • 12th Legislative Assembly #2 : Gallery
  • Education & its disjuncture in Manipur
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Fest 2025 : Theme
  • Coo :: Poem
  • Agartala Coach : India U-19 Women Cricket
  • The story of the village of hope
  • Career choice in wetlands
  • CM in Delhi to meet Shah
  • After failed plastic ban bid, on brickfields
  • New catfish species discovered in Chakpi
  • Love, Unsure :: Poem
  • Manipur's border battles: Deeper conflict
  • A world without leprosy
  • Origin of corruption & possible remedies
  • The question of life
  • 'Sereki' unveils Majuli-themed campaign
  • Posers over summons to Delhi
  • Addiction-free campaign
  • Mera Chaorel Houba @Kangla #5 : Gallery
  • Manipur : Champions Jr Natl Sepaktakraw
  • Effective Unified Command approach
  • Saurashtrian Tamils
  • Accepting the change :: Poem
  • From Kumbh to heaven direct
  • Edge of the seat suspense
  • Wetlands revival efforts reaping fruit
  • Natambakta : Play by JNMDA #4 : Gallery
  • EIIFF 2025 unveils Festival Memento
  • Climate change & plant diseases
  • Shija Hospital- AHPI Healthcare Award
  • Budget 2025: A big gift for middle-class
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #2
  • Cakeology 2025: India's largest cake expo
  • Need to stick to a consistent narrative
  • Leniency on tobacco ban aiding demographic
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Pheiroijam Christina - 21st Miss North East
  • Manipur: Gold at 28th Jr National Sepaktakraw
  • Clarion call for redeeming our rightful future
  • The Power of Poppy - 67 :: Poem
  • Clean energy for sustainability
  • Union Budget: Industrialists from NE speaks
  • Balaram Sougaijamba: General of Manipur
  • Nikhil Okram crowned 14th Mister North East
  • Chadong village: Rising from waters with hope
  • Financial literacy for common man
  • Obituary: (L) Pu Thangkholen Sitlhou
  • Nail care in Winters
  • State of war since 2023: No winner, only losers
  • Talks on new district row
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • February Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • Ballad of Letting Go :: Poem
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal International Film Fest
  • Deeper exploration of term 'Hill-Valley Divide'
  • Children's Book to adopt 'Look East Policy'
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Endless suffering of internally displaced child
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #2 : Gallery
  • Thiyam Suryamukhi conferred Padma Shri
  • Isolate Kuki Militants by facilitating safe return
  • Sports Meet held at Rongdai Village
  • Eco-Apocalypse: Prevent collapse with Green
  • Grand Finale : 21st Mega Miss North East
  • Time to give more teeth to ST demand
  • 5 years of ILP; what about NRC demand ?
  • Remembering Md Ladu, celebrated polo player
  • The Lament of Love's Deceit :: Poem
  • Need for inculcating value based education
  • Royte - Times Young Entrepreneur Award
  • Glass Child Syndrome ! 'Sibling rivalry'
  • 6 Films for NE Section at GAFF 2025
  • Pony registration & conservation
  • Impartial anti-extortion cell need of the hour
  • 76th Republic Day @ Kangla #1 : Gallery
  • Conservation Strategies of Pethia manipurensis
  • Remembers 13 Brave Indian Soldiers
  • Workshop: Intl Year of Quantum Science
  • Governor's role and discretionary powers
  • Physics workshop for educators at Agartala
  • Who wins Delhi - Daru or Dharma
  • War on Drugs: A war Manipur cannot loses
  • NE turning into transnational drug hub
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #2
  • Manipur's dystopian reality
  • The day Light reached the hills
  • 2nd Eikhoigi Imphal Intl Film Fest 2025
  • Why is depreciation of rupee not stopping ?
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #5
  • Thoithoiba Yelhou Yangkok Artist #2 : Gallery
  • Republic Day Titbits
  • NIT Manipur: Best Design Award @VLSI Design
  • The Power of Poppy - 66 :: Poem
  • Grand Finale: 14th Mega Mister North East
  • Application : FILMART, Hong Kong
  • The Science of Success : Attitude #1
  • 21st Ningtham Kumhei Fest #1 : Gallery
  • Demographic for balkanisation of Manipur
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation at Nambol
  • Jugeshwor Kshetrimayum receives GELA 2025
  • Construction Committee of Meetei Yumpham
  • Call against misuse of social media
  • Positive & negative aspects of social media
  • In Search of Peace in Manipur
  • Embracing the Shadows :: Poem
  • Dr Manmohan Singh will live on
  • Rise in the price of medicines
  • Respecting the dead- Denying is a disgrace
  • Winter skin care tips for oily skin
  • Illegal immigrants :: Of FMR & border fencing
  • JD-U row exposes national parties' apathy
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #2 : Gallery
  • On 'Only BJP can save Manipur'
  • Frontline health workers dispelling darkness
  • 14th East Himalayan Trade Fair
  • Life is plastic
  • Killers on the road : 834 lives lost
  • Call to action to save State's wetlands
  • Essence of Gaan-Ngai #1
  • The Taste of Dreams wins @Red Intl Film Fest
  • Science: 3rd eye for Meitei-Kuki reconciliation
  • Northeast flies high in direct selling
  • Mastering focus amidst distractions
  • An introduction to Rabies (Hydrophobia) #4
  • BJP : Tepid response from the hills
  • BABINA Hospital sets example in healthcare
  • Nitya Ras @Nongmeibung #1 : Gallery
  • Agonizing reality of our country's veteran elites
  • Historicising the colonial narratives
  • NSS Team Departs for National Integration
  • HUN-Thadou Cultural Festival 2025
  • Time to recreate Naga Peoples Convention 2.0
  • Career in nutrition
  • Need to give more meaning to War on Drugs
  • Time for real action not empty rhetoric
  • Foundation: Manipur Press Club #2 : Gallery
  • "Aronba Wari" :: Shumang Leela Synopsis
  • Tripura's livelihoods challenges
  • Archaeological Exhibition @ Kangla : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai @Chaopok village #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur needs to affirm her tribal roots
  • Madras/Chennai- 1989 till 2024 : Gallery
  • Investigate "arms recoveries" in Mizoram
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • NE Direct Selling Conference & Expo
  • Response of Delhi in last 20 months
  • Regulated entry after FMR scrap, border
  • Mutua Bahadur : Preserving Manipuri culture
  • Competitive Altruism: Resolving ethnic conflict
  • Pithe Puli Utsav at Agartala
  • Building the best version of yourself
  • Guwahati Asian Film Festival 2025
  • Tips to keep your lips soft & smooth in winter
  • Subsidised flight tickets for all
  • MCPCR alert on child trafficking fear
  • Imoinu Erat Thouni @ Wangkhei : Gallery
  • Gaan-Ngai celebrating Culture in Delhi NCR
  • 2nd Emoinu Fish Festival #1 : Gallery
  • Nupilal Ningshing Lamjel #2 : Gallery
  • Licypriya Kangujam: Nat'l Youth Day Award
  • State Gaan-Ngai @Sagolband #1 : Gallery
  • Hingminashi Eikhoi : Call for unity in diversity
  • Misna Chanu aids to Jiribam IDPs : Gallery
  • Mega Protest Rally, end AFSPA #2: Gallery
  • Ningol Chakkouba @ Delhi #3 : Gallery
  • AIR Radio Imphal Station - Live streaming
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #2 : Gallery
  • The historical account of Kabaw Valley #3
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #6: Gallery
  • E-Pao.net : 25th Anniv & 2025 Wishes
  • Protest @Delhi - Murder of Meiteis #2: Gallery
  • Observance of Thang-Ta Day #1 : Gallery
  • Nupi Lal Memorial @Pune #1 : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #5
  • Maibi Jagoi @ Mera Houchongba: Gallery
  • Ta Ta TabuHtoN :: Seireng
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet