Ningol Chakkouba celebrated all over
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 29 2011: Reaffirming the bond between the brothers and the sisters, Ningol Chakkouba festival was celebrated all over the state yesterday.

Apart from celebrating Ningol Chakkouba in every households, particularly that of Meitei community, various social organizations also joined the celebration at the community level in different parts of the state.

As in previous years, All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) celebrated Ningol Chakkouba along with organizing a community feasting at Pallel Bazar yesterday.

Around 500 women belonging to 14 different communities including Tarao, Lamkang, Maring, Aimol, Hmar, Chiru, Kom, Gangte, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zou, Chothe and Meitei turned up at the occasion.

President of AMESCO R Benny Chiru, President of AMUCO KT Rahaman, Vice President of AMAWOVA Kunjarani Devi, ADC Member Chanthoi Aimol, Chief of Nungourok Village K Shangba, President of Kuki Chief Association (Tengnoupal Block, Chandel district) Halkai Haokip, President of Irabot Foundation Th Iboyaima, Chief of Purum Chumbang village PR Parhoi Chothe, Chairman of COHR Phunindro Konsam and President of YVA, Pallel Y Ibotombi graced the function, which preceded the feast, as presidium members.

National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) also organized Ching-Tam Ningol Chakkouba programme yesterday at five different places of the state namely Laingoubi, Ichum-Kom, New Keithelmanbi, Yaingangpokpi and Ikou.

A view of the Ningol Chakkouba feast organised by AMESCO

The event was organized in collaboration with various units/committees of NIPCO.

Many women from the hills and the plain were present at the programme and shared a hearty meal.

After the meal, gifts were also presented to them.

All those who spoke at the occasion including Village Chiefs and officials of NIPCO observed that such get-together would help in promotion of love and unity among the people of the state.

At residence of its President AK Memcha Leima, located near Thoubal Mela ground, the Ningol Chakkouba was celebrated under the aegis of Kangleipak Women Welfare Association (KWWA) yesterday.

Around 135 people turned up at the occasion.

KWWA would be hosting a similar programme on November 15 for widows.

On the other hand, 6/8 Gorkha Rifles of Loktak Brigade under the aegis of Red Shield Division organised Ningol Chakkouba celebration at the Ngaikhong Khunau post of the Army in Bishnupur today.

According to a PIB Defence wing statement, the event started with welcoming 50 ladies from Oinam, Kainau, Aijejang and Irengbam by Col Kaushik Mukherjee, Commanding Officer of 6/8 Gorkha Rifles.

The function was attended by women of all tribes of the area around.

In consonance with the guiding spirit of the Indian Army to make a home in the hearts of the people of Manipur, introductory speech of welcome was delivered in Meitei language by the CO 6/8 Gorkha Rifles, which was much appreciated by the ladies who had come to attend the celebration with the Army.

Thereafter, in true reflection of the spirit of love for their brothers in uniform, the ladies put up an impromptu cultural dance in which ladies of all the three major tribes danced to one rhythm.

This was a true reflection of the fact that in spite of the perceived differences, the richness and cultural unity of the wonderful people of Manipur can never be fragmented on communal lines, the statement observed.

Later food was served by the men in uniform as per the tradition and culture of Manipur, wherein sisters, when they come home during this festival are honoured by their brothers.

In the end, gifts were presented to all the ladies, who went back happily showering heartfelt good wishes and blessings on their brothers in uniform, the statement added.

28 Assam Rifles of 9 Sector under HQ IGAR (S) also celebrated Ningol Chakkouba festival at Singjamei yesterday.

According to PRO Assam Rifles, a large number of ladies from Singjamei and nearby locations attended the celebration and were served with lunch and presented gifts at the occasion.

The celebration acted as a platform for increasing mutual trust and confidence between AR personnel and civil population.

27 Assam Rifles also organised Ningol Chakkouba celebration along with arranging a painting competition on the theme of 'The spirit of Ningol Chakkouba' at Wabagai yesterday.

Three prizes for the best paintings, consolation prizes and sweets were distributed to all participants at the occasion.