Campaign launched to preserve Meitei culture & traditions
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 18 2026: A joint initiative by three local organisations- AMESCO, AMACSU, and MNKL, has commenced today in Imphal East district to preserve and promote Meitei cultural identity and traditions.

The campaign, operating under the slogan "Let's collectively protect our culture and identity" (Eikhoi punna nett chatnabi ngakminasi), aims to address the perceived decline in traditional practices within the community.

As per a release issued by AMESCO, meetings were held across four villages-Keibi Kurnuda, Lambuikhul, Tiger Camp, and Keibi Awang Leikai, involving local clubs, Meira Paibi, development committees, senior citizens, and youth associations.

The meetings facilitated discussions on maintaining traditional customs from birth to death rituals and preventing the adoption of non-indigenous practices.

Several resolutions were unanimously adopted to standardize and preserve traditional Meitei customs, including banning firecrackers and musical concerts during Heijing-kharai and Luhongba events; enforcing traditional attire, restricting modem clothing in sacred areas; promoting traditional Meitei or Sankirtan music over Hindustani or modem music; discontinuing modem practices like cake-cutting, modem gift exchanges, and using gold chains instead of Kundo Pareng; and limiting Yaoshang Thabal to five days.

Chinglemba Wahengbam, convenor of the three organisations, warned that the gradual erosion of Meitei culture could lead to a loss of identity, urging the current generation to safeguard the rich heritage left by their ancestors.

The participating clubs and Meira Paibi groups from the four villages pledged their support to uphold these resolutions for the future of Manipur.

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