Governor, CM, MP lead in 'Ningol Chakkouba' greetings
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 02 2024: Governor Lakhsman Prasad Acharya, chief minister N Biren Singh; Lok Sabha MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, ministers, MLAs and CSOs have extended their greetings and warm wishes to the people of the state, especially to married womenfolk, on the auspicious occasion of 'Ningol Chakkouba' which falls on Sunday this year.

In his message, Governor L P Acharya stated that 'Ningol Chakkouba' is observed on the second day of the new moon of the Manipuri month of Hiyangei (October-November) and on this day, the married sisters are invited over by the brothers to a feast at their parental homes and given 'Dhakshina' .

"This festival is celebrated in all the Meetei families, rich and poor alike and these intimate and nostalgic moments strengthen the bond of love and affection between the brothers and sisters.

In fact, the role of the festival significantly stands out as it helps in keeping the social fabric intact.

It is a very positive development that other communities also have appreciated the ethos of this festival and have taken to celebrating this festival with fervour.

Let us all celebrate the festival in its true spirit," he said.

In his message, CM N Biren stated that Manipur is a place of abundant natural beauty and a colourful society of multiple ethnic communities living together with varieties of cultures.

"Let Ningol Chakkouba motivate us to strive for togetherness.

On this auspicious occasion, let us also reaffirm to rekindle the flame of unity and oneness amongst all communities in the state, he said.

Inner MP Dr Bimol Akoijam in his message emphasised that Ningol Chakkouba's true meaning lies in celebrating relationships and 'Poknapham amadi Hourakpham' (origin), which make us human and shows our identity as a society.

He also highlighted the crucial role played by women in building inter-personal relationships and lasting bond between two families, two villages, or two communities in some cases.

He called for celebrating the festival by acknowledging "our origin" and conveyed his message, "May the festival give us courage to defeat the divisive attempts carried out from last year to destroy Manipur" .

Education minister Th Basanta Kumar, MAHUD minister Yumnam Khemchand, Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata, Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol (CADA); Pangal Students' Organisation (PSO), Manipur, Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN), Wakhallon Mannaba Apunba (WAMA), Kangleipak and All Manipur Meitei Pangal Clubs' Organisation (AMMPACO) also extended greetings and warm wishes on the occasion.

They emphasised that 'Ningol Chakkouba' is not like any other festival which focuses on materialistic aspects or a race for gifts, but a festival that values love and affection.

The CSOs also urged public to buy local products as presents for the festival instead of purchasing items imported from outside the state.

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