Dark Diwali shares suffering of crisis-hit families
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 13 2023:
In a departure from the past, this year's Diwali in the state took an emotional tone as residents observed a Dark Diwali' in solidarity with those affected by the ongoing crisis.
The festival of lights, which typically resonates with colourful displays and booming sounds of firecrackers, transformed into a sombre affair on Monday.
Responding to the call for unity from different organisations and public figures like RPI-A national secretary Maheshwar Thounaojam and the Coordinating Committee Against the Action of Chin-Kuki Narco-Terrorists and Illegal Immigrants, Manipur, people in the valley districts turned off the light in their homes.
Shops and streets from 6 pm to 6.10 pm to symbolise support for the displaced families and those who have suffered losses in the humanitarian crisis since May 3.Leading up to the symbolic moment, activists and youths employed loudspeakers to encourage widespread participation in this unique observance.
As the clock struck 6 pm, the valley area plunged into darkness, with even key locations like Keishampat Junction turning off the high mast lamps.
Unlike previous years, the celebration saw a marked ab sence of festivities, with Meetei Vaisnavites opting for low-key observances at home, worshipping Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune.
In a significant departure from tradition, the streets of the valley districts remained eerily quiet, as the usual cacophony of firecrackers was notably absent.
Typically registering between 80 to 90 decibels every year on the day of the festival of light, this year s Diwali recorded only 61 dB of ambient noise in areas like MG Avenue and Nityaipat Chuthek, which is slightly above the permissible limit of 60 dB.
Areas like Thangal Keithel, MG Avenue, and their surroundings, known for lively celebrations, echoed a different sentiment this year.
Even the non-local Hindu community, who usually partakes in the festivities with lights and firecrackers, responded to the solidarity call, refraining from the usual fanfare and lamp lighting.
The same symbolic way of showing solidarity with the strife victims is also expected to be seen on Ningol Chakkouba, the grandest festival of Manipur, which falls on Wednesday as the people have declared to forgo the festival, which symbolises cementing the bond between brothers and sisters, fathers and daughters.
On the day of Ningol Chakkouba, which is celebrated on the second day of lunar month Hiyangei, Meetei women, particularly the married ones, attired in their best traditional dresses, go to their maternal homes and enjoy feasts with their siblings and parents.
With blessings and simple gifts given by their parents and brothers, the Ningols (women) return home in high spirits.
A number of entertainment programmes like music concerts, Shumang Leela are also held on the day.
For over six months, the state has been on the boil owing to the current crisis with thousands of families rendered homeless and nearly two hundreds killed in the conflict, marking a dark chapter in the history of the state, which takes its pride from the diversity of its people and beautiful natural resources of a tiny hill state.
(With inputs from Waari Singbul Network) .