Imoinu Iratpa celebrated with traditional rituals
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal/Thoubal, January 11 2025: Imoinu Iratpa Numit, one of the most cherished traditional festivals of the Meetei community, was celebrated across the state on Saturday with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Observed on the 12th day of the Meetei lunar month of Wakching, the festival seeks blessings from Ima Imoinu, the revered goddess of health, prosperity, abundance, and the order of domestic life.

In every household of the Meetei community and at various locations across the state, the day was marked by offerings, prayers, and community events.

The sacred site of Waithou Chengei Ching, regarded as one of the most significant abodes of Goddess Imoinu, witnessed a grand celebration organised by Chengei Ching Imoinu Thougal Lup in collaboration with Utra Shanglen, Sana Konung.

Imoinu Iratpa celebrated with traditional rituals

Devotees from different parts of the state flocked to Waithou Chengei Ching to participate in the religious rituals.

The celebration began with Pena Yakairol, a traditional invocation through the Pena, an indigenous musical instrument.

This was followed by offerings of rice, vegetables, and fruits to Goddess Imoinu, symbolising gratitude for abundance and prosperity.

A key highlight of the event was the planting of tree saplings in the area surrounding the sacred site, reflecting the community's commitment to preserving the environment and the sanctity of the site.

The ritual of Cheng Chaiba, which involves scattering rice, was also performed as part of the prayers for peace and prosperity.

Prominent dignitaries, including Utra Shanglen, Sana Konung Yaiskul Lakpa Keisam Raghumani; Chengei Ching Imoinu Thougal Lup president Wangkhem Ibochou; secretary Puyam Birmangol; Angom Ningthou Angom Poireiton; custom secretary (Pukhrakba) Thokchom Ibungohal; Laifam Ngakpa Salam Devendra; district and sessions judge Thoubal Samom Ibjen; Family Court Thoubal judge Waikhom Tonen Meitei; and 3rd IRB CO Sarangthem Hemanta, attended the religious festival.

Speaking at the event, Keisam Raghumani emphasised the importance of the sacred sites atop Koubru and Chengei Ching, which have been revered as significant abodes of Ima Imoinu since time immemorial.

He highlighted that the goddess is worshipped to seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and abundance.

Raghumani also announced plans to construct a Shanglen dedicated to Ima Imoinu at the Waithou Chengei Ching site, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual importance of the area.

Wangkhei Dolai Thaba Chingu Khubam Thougal Lup also celebrated 7th Ibendhou Imoinu Iratpa at Wangkhei Dolai Thaba Chingu Lourembam Khongnangthaba Lainingkol, Wangkhei Keitu Pung Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi on Saturday.

The celebration included the hoisting of Salai flag, performing traditional rituals, prayers, and lighting ceremonies in the evening.

Similarly, Uttra Shanglen and Kanglei Inat Sintha Apunba Lup jointly organised Imoinu Iratpa celebration.

A release issued by Uttra Shanglen, Sana Konung publicity Wangkheirakpa informed that during the celebration, stories from the 'Puya' about Imoinu, the goddess of wealth, were recited.

The event was attended by the titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, amaiba, amaibis, and members of the Pena Loishang.

Imoinu Iratpa Numit is celebrated in every household of the Meetei community with prayers and offerings.

Families prepared traditional meals and lit lamps in the evening and seek her blessings for the well-being of their homes and communities.