Mera Hou Chongba, Mera Wa Yungba festivities conducted
Source: The Sangai Express

Kakching/Thoubal, October 17 2024: With the arrival of the 15th lunar day of the month of Mera, the festival of Mera Hou Chongba was celebrated in Wangjing, Charangpat and Kakching today.

At Wangjing, the Wangjing Ningthou Haraoba Thougal Lup organised the festivities at Wangjing Ningthou Laikol.

Notable dignitaries at the event include Thanmi Phungloi, former chief of Sotun village; D Angrung, vice president, Maring Uparup Assembly among others.

As a part of the ceremony, the gathering resolved to improve and strengthen the relations between the hill and the valley brethren.

Meanwhile, the Rural Youth Development Organisation (RYDO) organised the Mera Hou Chongba and Mera Wa Yungba at the playground of the Club located at Charangpat Maning Leikai.

The event was graced by Sougrakpam Japan, member, 5-Charangpat Zilla Parishad; local leader Sorokhaibam Guni; Sh Joychand, Pradhan, Charangpat Gram Panchayat; social workers Kh Premnath and Kh Roben; Mingthing Keishing, Mantri, Tangkhul Khullen Village; secretary Yuingam Chithung; Village Authority Unison and leaders from both the hill and the valley areas.

Meitei and Tangkhul cultural dances were showcased at the festival which seeks to reinforce the bonds between the indigenous communities of the land.

Signifying one of the main aspects of the festival, gifts were exchanged between the different communities.

Additionally, the dignitaries participated in the auspicious Mera Wa Yungba ceremony and jointly hoisted the lamp atop a bamboo pole.

Later, a women's football match between Charangpat and Tangkhul Khullen village was conducted.

At Kakching, Langsai Thouna organised the Mera Hou Chongba cum Mera Wa Yungba ceremony under the theme "Solidarity in brotherhood" today at Kakching Wairi Ibudhou Khamlangba Laikol.

The celebration, which was attended by folks of different communities in and around Kakching district, witnessed the showcase of various cultural dances.

Langsai Thouna presented simple gifts to the indigenous communities on the occasion, while the hill brethren also bestowed gifts and edible items upon the organisation.

The gathering presented a united front by participating in the ceremonial Mera Wa Yungba ceremony and raising of the lamp.

Addressing the gathering, cultural activist Ningthouja Lancha advocated for unity among the indigenous people.

Acknowledging the failure of the Indian electoral system to give adequate representation to minority communites, he urged the Government to set up a Manipur Legislative Council.

Comment