58th fire-walking festival begins in Moreh
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 06 2025: The 58th edition of the Fire-Walking Festival at Shree Angala Parmeshwari Shree Muneeshwarar Temple in Moreh commenced on April 2, marking a cultural and spiritual observance for the Tamil community in the border town.

First held in 1967 following the completion of the temple's construction, which began in 1961, the festival has since become a symbol of communal harmony in the town.

Over the decades, it has drawn participation from people across communities and faiths, including Meetei, Nepali, Bihari, and even residents from neighbouring Myanmar, making it one of the most anticipated events in the town.

This year's festival, which will continue till April 11, however, carries special significance as it marks a return to broader celebrations after nearly two years of scaled-back activities due to the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023 .

Since then, the temple had only been conducting basic prayer services, with major festivals put on hold.

With relative calm returning, the temple committee resumed the festival this year with the active participation of devotees from various localities of Moreh, many of whom took turns to host community feasts as part of the celebrations.

In the light of the prevailing situation in Manipur and particularly in Moreh, the temple committee announced that two key events - the fire-pot procession during the festival, and the fire-walking ritual traditionally held on the concluding day at the Sunrise Club playground - would not be conducted this year.

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