Manipuri Poetry Day observed, Ratan Thiyam honoured posthumously
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 27 2026: Manipuri Poetry Day 2026 was observed on October 26 coinciding with the Full Moon of Kartik, known in Manipuri as Meragi Thanin, to celebrate the richness of Manipuri poetry, literature and cultural heritage.

Fiction and Poetry Club, Manipur, observed the day at the DIPR auditorium, Imphal.

A major highlight was the posthumous conferment of the Mahakavi Anganghal Poetry Award 2026 on renowned theatre personality, playwright and writer Ratan Thiyam for his poetry collection "Eibu Nungshibiyu Haide" .

Selected poems by Thiyam were also recited.

The programme was attended by Khundrakpam AC MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar as chief guest, while Prof Chungkhambam Yashawanta, former Dean of School of Humanities, Manipur University, was guest of honour.

Fiction and Poetry Club president Thoudam Netrajit Singh presided.

Addressing the gathering, Thokchom Lokeshwar emphasised the deep affection the people of Manipur share for their homeland and urged protection of Manipur's heritage for future generations.

The celebration also marked the release of Mapao (25th issue) along with two poetry books - "Hithangpham amashung Ithak Machashing" by Mapao Sajama and "Thammoigee Mihutthong" by Lenin Khumancha.

More than 50 poets presented their works in three poetry reading sessions.

Meanwhile, Manipuri Poetry Day was also observed by the Leewa Ideal Women Association at Chingamakha Leewa Road.

The event was presided over by Association president S Tapasini, with Meira Paibis of Chanam Pukhri Mapan in attendance.

Speaking on the occasion, Writers of Manipur (WOM) member Oinam Renu said poetry is indispensable and once the taste for poetry is lost, it cannot be easily regained.

In her address, S Tapasini said it was heartening to read and listen to poetry on such an important day when society is grappling with various hardships, and expressed hope that other Meira Paibi groups would also get similar opportunities.

Poets T Renu, O Nibha, S Felix, O Usharani, S Lolini, K H Aniton, O Victoria, L Meena, L Monorama, S Piyainu, Sh Sumati and S Tapasini recited their poems on the occasion.

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