Procession staged on Mera Chaoren Houba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2025: In celebration of Mera Chaoren Houba, a procession was taken out from Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple, Haying Khongban Uphong Yumpham, Imphal to Kangla, followed by a series of religious rituals.

Holding the Salai Taret flag in their hands, the celebration was attended by Umanglai Loishang, Amaiba Amaibi Loishang, Pena Loishang, Pung Eshei Loishang, Wari Leeba Loishang, Khenchanglon Loishang, Kabui Loishang, Ningol Loishang, Piba Loishang and other indigenous communities who follow the Sanamahi faith.

The procession collected sacred water from Nungjreng Pukhri at Kangla and returned to Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple to take part in more religious ceremonies performed by priests and priestesses.

Speaking in this connection, Maisnam Shivdutta Luwang, secretary, Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB), said that Sanamahism had a separate column in the 2011 census, placing the number of followers at 2,24,000.Claiming that it was removed, he made an appeal for the inclusion of the total population of Sanamahi followers in the upcoming 2026 (April) census.

Adding that they have written for the same to the Prime Minister, President and the Home Minister's Office, he expressed hope that their request will be approved.

In 2022, the Manipur Assembly had recommended the Central Government to recognise Sanamahi as a minority religion with a separate unique code in the census, he recalled.

He further spoke about the expansion of the Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple and the setting up of Sanamahi Study Centre at the Manipur University of Culture.

Sending greetings to the people on the occasion, the LSTB secretary went on to highlight the importance of Mera Chaorel Houba, which is dedicated to Lainingthou Sanamahi and celebrated on the first day of the month of "mera" in the Meitei calendar.

During the celebration, oblations were offered to Lainingthou Sanamahi with prayers for a peaceful Manipur, long life for its residents and protection from adversities.

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