MP Sanajaoba eulogises Mera Houchongba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 09 2022: Mera Houchongba, a traditional festival that promotes and reaffirms the strong bond between the valley and the hill people of Manipur, was celebrated by State Level Organising Committee on Mera Houchongba Committee at Sana Konung and Kangla, here, on Sunday.

On Sunday morning, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba led people of different indigenous communities of the state, who were dressed in their traditional attires, on a cultural walk to Kangla to commence the celebration.

After arriving at Kangla, several important rituals including Yenkhong Tamba were performed.

Speaking as chief guest of the celebration, Leishemba Sanajaoba recounted that the Mera Houchongba festival had been celebrated for over 2000 years since the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.

It is a unique, customary festival celebrating the love between the hill and the valley people, he said, while adding that no such other festival, which focuses on a particular community or religion, exist in other parts of the country and the world.

Stating that the festival is incomplete without the participation of both the hill and the valley people, he urged not to forget that the festival has been Celebrated since time immemorial and should be taken more seriously by the present generation.

The festival carries the message of unity among the people of Manipur and blessings for those staying outside the state, irrespective of religion or language.

He then appreciated that the CM Biren-led government for organising the festival in a grand manner at the state level.

In his speech, Works and YAS minister Govindas Konthoujam said that although religion may divide us, it is time for politics to draw us closer so as to strengthen the unity of the state and the bond among the various communities.

He then wished for the festival to provide an opportunity for all to unite and form a strong single entity.

As part of the festival, titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba presented Hungpung village headman AS Wangayung Peter with the Khongleihanba AS Wungnaoyo Zimik Mera Hochongba Award-2022 .

The celebration was also attended by other ministers, MLAs, chiefs and headmen of various villages.

Gifts were also exchanged between the hill and valley brethren, followed by cultural performances of different communities.

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