Decks cleared for Mera Hou Chongba
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 15 2024: Stage is set for the celebration of state level Mera Hou Chongba festival on Thursday with participation of many indigenous communities from different parts of the state.

Briefing the media at the conference hall of the Art and Culture Department, Palace Compound here on Tuesday, State Level Mera Hou Chongba Organising Committee member Mutum Maniton said that Mera Hou Chongba is a festival that represents and strengthens the fraternal bond between the hill and valley dwellers of the state.

So far, the committee has received confirmation of participation from at least 21 indigenous communities including Tangkhul, Thangal, Mao, Maram, Paomai, Rong-mei, Kabui, Tarao, Moyon, Zemei, Inpui, Anal, Maring, Chothe, Kharam, Kom, Chiru, Monsang, Koireng, Aimol, and Lamkang.

The remaining indigenous communities are likely to convey confirmation by Wednesday, he said, adding that the festival will also have at least 100 village chiefs, and delegates and cultural troupes from different communities.

Ahead of the festival, titular king of Manipur and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajao-ba will host a reception ceremony of the village chiefs and delegates at Sana Konung on Wednesday evening.

The festival will begin with religious rituals from Thursday 8 am followed by a procession from Sana Konung to Kangla where rituals like hoisting of Mera Thaomei (lamp), Mera Men Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba will be performed in front of Kangla Utra.

The main event will begin from 12.30 pm and will be chaired by Leishemba Sanajaoba.

Chief minister N Biren will attend the main event as chief guest, Maniton said while appealing all to participate in the festival and showcase the millennia-old bond of brotherhood among the indigenous communities.

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