Umang Lai Haraoba boosts sale of religious attires
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 09 2025: The Khwairamband Keithel vendors have claimed that there has been a boost in sales of religious attires and other paraphernalia associated with the celebration of Umang Lai Haraoba.

After a lull in sale for 20 months owing to the conflict, the resumption of the festival from this year has led to the rise in commercial activity.

The festival of Umang Lai Haraoba supports the livelihood of many weavers and people who prepare the necessary religious paraphernalia to an extent.

On another note, forests and sacred groves are preserved and safeguarded through the festival, thereby spreading environmental awareness among the public.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Khwairamband Phouoibi Ima Keithel vendor Thangjam Sayaritu Leima from Uripok Khumanthem Leikai shared that since violence erupted in the State on May 3, 2023, sales of such religious articles had stagnated.

Even after markets and shops were allowed to open, there was hardly any demand and vendors went whole days without selling any items, she added.

Consequently, this led to challenges in meeting their household costs and children's education.

However, as Uttra Sanglen, Sana Konung announced the resumption in celebration of Umang Lai Haraoba from this year, the festival has proceeded in full swing across the State with many Lai Committees and other participants purchasing the necessary articles from Khwairamband Keithel.

This has improved the financial condition of many weavers and craftsmen who prepare the religious items.

Elaborating on the religious paraphernalia used in Umang Lai Haraoba, Thangjam Sayaritu Leima said that a white, borderless, Ibudhou Pheijom (loin cloth) are sold for Rs 750; white Kokyet (headdress) for Rs 600 and Innaphi (shawl; upper body garment) for Rs 800 .

These items are made by weavers from Kakwa and Kongpal and brought to the market for sale, she maintained.

Sayaritu further added that Thambal Leikhok Phanek (for Ibendhou) from Thoubal area are sold for Rs 1000 while Lamthang Khullak Haraophi with golden border from Kakwa and Singjamei area costs anywhere from Rs 550 to Rs 2000 .

The prices of other important items are, Khamenchatpa Pheijom-Rs 800, traditional velvet shirt/top-Rs 400, Ningkham Phi (waist band)-Rs 450 and Kajenglei (headdress)-Rs 550 to Rs 1000.Wrislets and other adornments for the deities such as necklaces are made in Uripok and Kangabam Leikai.

All these items, including Leipareng (made from threads), Khurum for deities etc are made by skilled craftsmen and weavers from different parts of the State and finally brought to the market, said Sayaritu.

With the resumption of Umang Lai Haraoba festival, the vendor informed that her daily sales now range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.As the Meitei communities in Cachar (Assam) and Agartala (Tripura) also celebrate Umang Lai Haraoba, they either visit the Khwairamband market to purchase the necessary items or the same is sent to them.

Similarly, religious paraphernalia for other rituals are also sent to different States from Khwairamband market.

Another vendor, Moirangthem Ibeyaima from Wangkhei, shared that some festival participants prefer to wear Wangkhei Phi.

The cost of Wangkhei Phi ranges from Rs 3000 to upwards of Rs 10,000.Saying that she has sold a lot of Haraophi this year, she told The Sangai Express that her daily sales range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 .

Additionally, Phanek Mayek Naiba vendor Oinam Suni Leima emphasized the rise in sales of Thambal Leikhok Khoi Lonbi Phanek this year.

While Thambal Leikhok Phaneks are sold for Rs 1100, Phige Phanek sell upwards of Rs 10,000, she said.

With the arrival of wedding season and the resumption of Umang Lai Haraoba, Suni Leima said that she manages to pull in Rs 10,000 to Rs 13,000 daily sales.

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