Prayer for peace marks opening of Saleni Festival
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, July 16 2023:
With the state in the grip of tension and violence following the ethnic violence on May 3 last, the Saleni Festival-2023, which is a post paddy-transplantation festival of the Mao tribe celebrated for 5 days, commenced from Sunday at the King's Compound in Pudunamei village, Senapati district with prayer for peace in the state marking the opening day.
Usually on the first day of the festival, which is normally celebrated in July every year, Pudunamei villagers organised "Lerii Kaphi", a traditional game of the Mao tribe where senior menfolk of the village play the game with the neighbouring villagers as the spectators.
However, with the state facing unrest situation, the villagers observed the day with a prayer programme for peace in Manipur.
A two minutes' silence was also observed as a mark of respect for the departed souls.
Ihe villagers also prayed for speedy recovery of the injured, for leaders of both the Meitei and Kuki communities so that good sense prevails amongst them, for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister N Biren Singh so that peace and normalcy is restored under their leadership and for everlasting peace in the land.