UNESCO to fund 'Lai Haraoba' festival in Bangladesh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 17 2025: With the funding from UNESCO, Government of Bangladesh and Consulate General of India, will jointly organise a three-day Lai Haraoba festival at Manipur Cultural Complex in Bangladesh from April 23 .

Addressing media persons at Manipur Press Club, here, on Thursday, Mutua Museum director Mutua Bahadur said that following a request from Manipur Cultural Complex, a 12-member team from Manipur, including priests, priestesses, and a Pena artiste along with essential items for the festival, will depart for Bangladesh on April 20 .

He also shared that in 2024-25, the Manipur government petitioned the UNESCO, seeking recognition of Lai Haraoba as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, similar to recognition granted to Sankirtana.

According to Mutua Bahadur, the festival, to be held for the first time under the aegis of the government of Bangladesh, aims to help the Meetei community settled there connect with the traditional Umang Lai Haraoba, while also paving the way for securing UNESCO's recognition.

He informed that a team of teachers specialising in Maibi Jagoi and Pena is already in Bangladesh to train the Meetei community, adding that rituals during the festival will be performed by priests and priestesses from Manipur.

He also stated that the festival in Bangladesh will be presented in its most authentic form, ensuring that no alterations are made to the rituals and practices, unlike the modified versions occasionally seen in the state.

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