State celebrates Kang amid crisis with tight security
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 08 2024: The Rath Yatra festival (Kang Chingba), which is celebrated on the second day of the Manipuri lunar month Ingen, was held in the state with subdued festivities amidst the crisis, and stringent security measures, on Monday.

The rituals of Kang Chingba were conducted at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, Palace Compound and at ISCKON Temple, Sangaiprou.

Due to the ongoing crisis in the state, the festival saw low turnout of devotees, and limited to basic rituals.

Unlike the past, no Rath chariot processions were held in the state due to the humanitarian crisis.

At both the temples, the ritual ceremonies were conducted inside their respective complexes.

However, at Shree Shree Govindajee Temple, the Rath chariot procession proceeded for a short distance from the inner gate towards the main entrance gate (Palace Gate).

Chief minister N Biren Singh, other ministers and MLAs also visited Govindaji temple and took part in the rituals early in the morning.

The Rath chariot procession commenced around 1pm where devotees offered prayers to Lord Jaganath, Balabhadra and Goddess Suvadra.

It may be mentioned that there had been reports of firing at the Rath chariot in Palace Compound by unidentified persons, apparently to oppose preparations made for the festival.

Considering the situation, tight security arrangements were made in and around the festival site at Shree Shree Govindaji Temple for peaceful observance of the festival.

Top police officials were also present at the site.

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