Mera Houchongba reaffirms age old ties
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 14 2008: Reaffirming the inalienable relationship amongst all the different groups of people living in Manipur since time immemorial, the traditional festival of Mera Houchongba was celebrated with fervour and gaiety today.

Presentation of colourful folk dances and songs expressing the joys of reunion, exchange of gifts in the true spirit of brotherhood and partaking in the fete together marked the celebration held in different parts of the State.

At the Sanakonung (Royal Palace), Hafta Kangjeibung and Kangla, Mera Houchongba was celebrated along with performance of the Mera Main Tongba rituals under the joint auspices of Mera Houchongba Thousil Lup, Ethno-Heritage Council and United People's Front.

A dance troupe presents a cultural item on the occasion of Mera Hou Chongba enthralling the gathering

Commencing the celebration along with rendition of songs since early morning, people from different parts of the State gathered at the Sana Konung from where a mass procession led by the titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba was taken out till Kangla where the rituals of Mera Main Tongba was performed at the Main Surung.

When the procession arrived at Kangla, Kabui Amaiba (priest) also performed the rituals of Yengkhong Tamba to predict the future prospects of the State.

Yupan Thaba was also performed in front of Kangla Uttra.

After the procession returned to Hafta Kangjeibung located in front of the royal palace, the celebration came alive to the music and dances of various communities.

Along with releasing a souvenir, the titular king also exchanged gifts with various other community leaders and invitees coming from different parts of the State as well as from outside the State.

The festival of Mera Houchongba was also celebrated under the aegis of Kangla Religious Committee, Kangla Fort Board at Kangla Hall here today.

The celebration was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat as chief guest and former Minister RV Mingthing as functional president.

Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission Ng Nongyai and member of Kangla Board Prof Sairem Nilbir were also present at the Prof Sairem Nilbir were also present at the occasion as guests of honour.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister Parijat noted that the underlining message behind the celebration of Mera Houchongba is the unity and oneness among the hill and the valley people.

RV Mingthing said Mera Houchongba has been in existence since human settlement started in Manipur.

Every year, the younger brothers who have come down to settle in the valley light fire to led their elder brothers living in the hill know that everything is well and the elder brothers living in the hill also communicated back by making forest fire.

This feeling of unity and brotherhood is at the core of celebrating the festival.