Don't make Chakkouba a gift race: AMUCO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 02 2021: All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has appealed to all concerned not to make the culturally revered festival of Ningol Chakkouba that reaffirms the bond between brothers and sisters, into a festival of gift competition.

In a statement, AMUCO secretary publicity Laishram Krishnachandra extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur for Ningol Chakkouba festival, the grandest festivafof the Meitei community.

He further prayed for the festival to usher in peace, prosperity and a pandemic-free future.

Despite its small size, different communities living in Manipur jointly celebrate various festivals, among which Ningol Chakkouba is one.

Due to the unique and beautiful idea of the festival, it is celebrated by all communities, which in turn is helping to strengthen the bond among the communities.

The festival is annually celebrated on the second day of the month of Hiyangei (October-November), with November 6 being the day for this year, he said.

The festival will be special this year, considering that the Covid-19 pandemic situation has finally improved after over one and half year.

However, it is still saddening that some families would be experiencing sadness due to loss of loved ones in the pandemic, Krishnachandra remarked and shared the grief of the bereaved families.

Urging families to present simple but sincere gifts during the festival instead of indulging in extravagance, he called upon all against following the trend of daughters/sisters taking the responsibility of gift-giving instead of their brothers or their parents.

He also urged against the mentality of leaving behind their sisters/daughters at home and going put to drink and gamble by men in the family.

"We must preserve the real essence of the festival and base it on the indigenousness of the state, by opting for indigenous products instead of foreign ones.

Additionally, shop owners must refrain from taking advantage of the festival by hiking the prices of essential goods", Krishnachandra said, while cautioning that shops could face the music if AMUCO were to take action.

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