Hiyangei Mao Ningol Chakkouba celebration
Wangkhei AC MLA assures best possible help for Mao Market development
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 02 2022: Wangkhei Constituency MLA Thangjam Arunkumar has underscored the need to maintain and safeguard Mao Market while asserting that he will undertake any possible initiatives for its development.

He was speaking at the Hiyangei Mao Ningol Chakkouba celebration conducted today at Mao-Imphal Market Complex in Kabaw Leikai.

Today's event was organised by Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee which is a joint committee of IPSA, ACOAM Lup, IPAK, PANDM, KANGLAMEI, KIL, CLK and KSA in association with Mao Union, Imphal; Mao Women Business Union, Mao and Mao Naga Women Welfare Association, Imphal.

The women vendors of Mao-Imphal Market shared a meal together and following this, simple gifts were presented to them on the occasion.

Hiyangei Mao Ningol Chakkouba celebration

Addressing the gathering, Thangjam Arunkumar thanked the vendors from Mao for making fresh produce readily available at the market for the consumption of Imphal residents.

This will strengthen the bonds between hill and valley brethren, he maintained.

Mentioning the State Government's initiative to do away with the use of fertilizers in agriculture, he lauded the vendors for providing organic and high quality vegetables and fruits at the market.

The MLA also pointed out the importance of Ningol Chakkouba as one of the most culturally significant festivals of Manipur and commended Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee for partaking in the festivities and inviting Mao women for a meal every year on the happy occasion.

Further, he pointed out the necessity to safeguard this market and assured that he would broach the subject of developing the market with the relevant authority.

Speaking as the functional president, S Besii Mao, chairman, Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee stated that a festival similar to Ningol Chakkouba used to be celebrated among the Mao community in the month of July.

However, in the present time, it has slowly disappeared from popular consciousness and people barely celebrate it anymore, S Besii Mao said.

Emphasizing on the beauty of Ningol Chakkouba, S Besii Mao said that there is a need to preserve this custom.

Notably, national and international awardee and advisor of Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee, H Ibotombi Khuman was also present at the event as the guest of honour.