CADA advises teens, parents on Yaoshang
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 20 2019: Yaoshang is a blend of Hindu's festival Holi and Lai Keithel Kaba (Ougri Hanggel Chongba) and is one of the most popular and highly celebrated festival in Manipur.

But it comes with certain malpractices by young children/youths who loot bamboos, stubble, cabbage and other edible items from kitchen garden of others during the 5 days festival.

This festival has also became a period of joy and paradise for many young children and youths who indulge in drugs and other intoxicants.

The true colour of the festival is fading year by year, said Coalition Against Durgs and Alcohol (CADA) today.

Almost all festivals in Manipur involve people using intoxicants one way or the other.

Parents and guardians should study and strictly guide their children not to use alcohol and other intoxicants during the festival period.

Local organisations, clubs and Meira Paibis should be vigilant during the festival to ensure peace and check drug abuse, said CADA in a statement today issued by its secretary information & publicity, Khundongbam Anand.

Parents and guardians should not encourage young girls to ask for donations on road.

This culture of girls asking for donations on busy road is dangerous for their lives and may have negative impact on the behaviour of the children and image of the colourful festival, added CADA.

The very idea and notion that the festival comes once in a year and as celebration, girls should not be stopped from making few bucks is a dangerous idea.

People should ponder and reflect on how much money are spent on this festival.

It degrades moral of the youths and have adverse effect on the economy especially the economy of the poor, said CADA.

The festival if celebrated in the right way promotes healthy human relationship.

But young teen girls in love falling prey to sexual assault and other offences during the festival is not new, said CADA.

Teens have the most energy to celebrate the festival of colour and they should do so under the supervision of the parents and guardians.

Teens both boys and girls should celebrate the festival in the right way, added CADA.

A public discourse on the pros and cons of the Yaoshang festival is much needed where all sections of people should come together and discuss, said CADA.

Organising sports events during the festival is one right way to approach and celebrate the festival.

It keeps the youths from indulging in other unwanted activities during the festival and also promotes healthy environment in the locality.

Clubs and organisations should organise such sports activities and engage the locals in community building processes, said CADA.

Use of loud speakers, sound systems should be checked to minimise the disturbance it gives to students who are appearing in examinations, added CADA.

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