The Grand Festival Of 'Yaoshang'

Thoudam Imomacha Singh *

Yaoshang festival at Shree Shree Govindajee temple on 18th March 2014 :: Pix - David Mayum

With the advent of "Radha-Krishna" cult, a little ahead of the 4th century B.C, the festival of "Yaoshang" is said to have begun in Braj Brindavan. The Literal meaning of "Yaoshang" was the burning of sheep-huts (abode of sheep). The then youngsters of Brajbhoomi, comprising Radha, the prima-donna of the Gopis and other Gopis had a mind for fun and frolics among the youths, implying carnal activities.

This being the reason, the adults had to be sidelined in the most convenient way. In order to create a favourable situation for their playful activities, some sheep-huts around the village had to be burnt to attract the attention of the elders. While the elders were away to douse the fire, the youths had ample time to enjoy themselves in their frenzy frolics. The episode took place sans any religious implication.

Since 1769 AD, Manipur had been ruled by a range of Meetei Kings and from this unexpected development, the land of Manipur became to be known as Meetei Leipak (the land of the Meeteis). For almost 3,000 (three thousand) years the land had been identified as Manipur, out of that only for about 180 years it became known as Meetei Leipak.

It is only since the reign of king Charairongba that the Meetei inhabitants of Manipur practiced the worship of Radha-Krishna. Since 1471, 14 years ahead of the birth of Gourachandra (Chatyana), Vishnu worshiping was prevalent in Manipur during the reign of Kyamba.

It was, in fact, during the reign of king Bhagyachandra, (also known as Rajarshi Bhagyachandra) that the vedic religion flourished in Manipur and the name of "Yaosang" also became known as "Doljatra" as well.

The festival is observed every year on the full-moon day of Lamda (February-March). Actually it is tripartite occasion consisting of the celebrations of "Yaosang", "Doljatra" and "Mahprabhu Janma" (the birth of Chatyana).

Maharaj Churachand, who ruled Manipur under the British Suzerainty, had contributed in ample measures to the celebration of "Yaosang" as a full-fledged religious festival. Since 1891, the kings of Manipur had to pay a tribute of rupees fifty thousand (Rs. 50,000) to the British Crown. The same practice continued till 1945, the year in which the Second World War concluded. Maharaj Boodhchandra, the successor of Churachand had done his best to support the British forces in winning the War.

As a quid-pro-que, king George VI of England expunged the tribute. During Churachand's reign "Holy" was performed at Govindajee's temple and even the students of the then Johnstone High English School were sponsored by the Maharaja to join the group of holy singers at the Govindajee temple.

He encouraged Natasankirtan and other forms of religious singing like Manoharsai, Dhop and others. It may be a judicious opinion that it is only in Manipur where "Holy" is celebrated purely as a religious festival.

In other parts of India "Holy" is celebrated as a community or social festivity, where even drinks are freely entertained to the participants. So, they even call it, the "Festival of Colours". But in Manipur the celebration of "Holy" is still maintained a sacred one.

However, today there is also a wind of change in the celebration of "Yaosang" or "Holi" in view of certain concrete elements that we can observe. But the author can be prompt enough to opine that the reflection of the mode of change in the celebration is mostly constructive as well as positive in its perspective.

Manipur, now-a-days celebrates "Yaosang" or "Holy" with adequate emphasis on youth development, enhancement of spirit of sports among the youth.

No doubt "Yaosang" is very much a part of our cultural heritage. Let us not bring the change for the sake of change, but a change for the betterment of our society and promotion of humanitarianism across the globe.