Festive Spirit and New Hope
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: March 8, 2012 -

Yaoshang Shopping : Heavy rush of people seen at Khwairamband Bazar on the eve of Yaoshang festival on March 7 2012 - Pix :: Hueiyen Lanpao

Satyajit Usham from the desk

"If winter comes, can spring be far behind?", asked PB Shelly in his immortal 'Ode to the West Wind'.

Though the English romantic poet had posed the question figuratively in the context of the mystery of cycle of life, where joy and sorrow, life and death are entwined, its literal connotation could very well be applied to the present context of Manipur.

After long months of cold winter and uncertainty over daily existence bereft of any reason to celebrate and be hopeful of the future, the tumultuous wind of Phairen-Lamta has ushered in a new season and festive mood, not just in term of the five-day long joyous festival of Yaoshang, the Manipuri version of Holi, is due to begin from tomorrow to herald the advent of Spring, King of the Seasons but also in the form of a new administration that would steer the course of the state and its people for the next five years.

As we all know, Yaoshang is one of the most colourful and eagerly awaited festivals in Manipur, the celebration of which transcends religious and communal boundaries.

It is a festival for both young and old like that reminds them of the beauty of life. Indeed, Yaoshang to Manipur is what Durga Pujah is to Bengal, Bihu to Assam and Diwali in North India.

Amidst this all-pervasive and infectious festive spirit, another cause for celebration and hope in this new season has come in the guise of the just concluded elections to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly where three women candidates were elected creating a record in the electoral history of Manipur.

Incidentally, tomorrow (March 8), the first day of Yaoshang celebration also happens to be International Women's Day.

The 101st edition of the observance, also known as United Nations (UN) Day for Women's Rights and International Peace, which has been set aside specifically to celebrate women's achievements throughout history and across nations, could not have come at a more opportune moment than this.

Despite Manipur being regarded as the land of Meira Paibis and two Nupi Lans, participation of women in the policy making process, in the true sense of the term, has remained negligible all long.

Out of 16 women candidates in the fray this time, three of them have been given mandate by the people to become their representatives.

Sending just three women legislators in a House of 60-member may sound ludicrous while comparing with the figure of elected women legislators in other states, but this is no mean achievement in case of Manipur.

What an irony !!!