Prep for Nihgol Chakkouba in full swing amidst Covid
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 03 2021: Despite facing the impact of Covid-19 pandemic since March 2020, preparations are on in full swing to< celebrate the Ningol Chakkouba festival this year.

The festival, which is celebrated annually on the second day of Hiyangei month (October-November), could not be celebrated widespread last year due to the pandemic.

However, as the pandemic situation has improved signincantlv this year, people have been flocking to Khwairamband market in large numbers to buy gifts for the festival.

Khwairamband market had remained closed for a long time as per government orders and the number of shoppers were not many.

However, the numbers rose following the arrival of the festival.

Speaking to The People's Chronicle, a shopper pointed out that Ningol Chakkouba is an important festival of the state and is a celebration of the strong bond between brothers and sisters.

The festival became more beautiful with the participation of other communities in the state.

Urging all concerned to celebrate the festival while adhering to the Covid-19 SOP issued by the government, the shopper further urged against converting the festival into a form of competition on gifts given or received.

The shopper then revealed that personally, he would be gifting clothes woven from lyong (loom) .

However, he did remark that prices of items have increased owing to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a Phanek (wrap-around) vendor conveyed to this daily that the pandemic had almost driven the market to death.

Although the number of shoppers was quite low early, it shot up in the past few days.

For now, business is slow but it is far more favourable compared to when the market was forced to close down for 1-2 months.

The vendor then said that the shoppers' preferences for gifting loom-woven clothes are a huge source of support to them (vendors).

During a random tour of the market many shoppers were could be spotted purchasing blankets, utensils, loom products, rice-cooker and other electronic items as Ningol Chakkouba gifts for this year.

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