Mera Houchongba festival fair commences, titular king appeals for unification
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 22 2018: District Handlooms and Textiles Imphal East kicked off Mera Houchongba Festival Fair at Palace Compound today.

The seven days fair was graced by titular king Leisemba Sanajaoba as the chief guest while Manipur State Planning Board Manipur Deputy Chairman as well as MLA of Lamshang constituency S Rajen Singh attended as president and Directorate of Handlooms & Textiles manipur Deputy Director (H/L) Ch Sukumar Sharma as guest of honour.

At least 50 stalls have been set up for the Mera Houchongba Festival Fair.

Speaking on the occasion, Leisemba Sanajaoba observed that the age old occasion of Mera Houchongba was not celebrated properly for the past few years owing to financial constraints.

Fortunately, the festival began to be celebrated across the State, since last year, under the directive and guidance of the N Biren led State Government.

Mera Houchongba festival fair commences, titular king appeals for unification

The titular king lauded the State Government for its assurance to include a specific fund for Mera Houchongba in the State budget from 2019.Stating that organising such a fair in the name of the festival is a positive step, he appealed all the people belonging to different communities to take part in the fair as well.

He maintained that Mera Houchongba is a common customary festival for all, without any discrimination or differentiation of all the communities residing in the State.

He opined that the festival fair would be more meaningful if people from all walks of life can sell and exhibit their skill and talents regarding handloom and handicraft at the fair.

Leisemba Sanajaoba conveyed that it is the responsibility of the authority concerned as well as the public to assist in delivering the projects launched by the Govt for the welfare of the people.

Conveying that weaving garments/clothings which have close relation to the culture/ tradition are never easy, he added that it is the utmost responsibility of the people to promote the local or home made clothings and items.

On the other hand, MLA Rajen stressed on the need to promote and encourage the traditional attires and clothes of all the communities in Manipur.

The weavers of the State are trying their best to represent Manipur through a variety of beautifully made traditional handicraft and handloom items/garments.

The State Govt has introduced different schemes for the welfare of weavers by providing loans, organising training programmes, weavers card among others.

He appealed all to join hands and extend their support in promoting and encouraging the handlooms and handicrafts in the State.