Mera Hou Chongba sans gaiety this year
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 13 2023:
Considering the crisis situation in the state, the Mera Hou Chingba festival will be celebrated with only cultural and religious activities, informed Mera Hou Chongba Thousil Lup, Sana Konung convenor Mutum Maniton.
Addressing media persons at Uttra Shanglen, Sana Konung (Royal Palace) here on Friday, Maniton said that Mera Hou Chongba festival is being celebrated at Sana Konung since time immemorial.
After realizing importance of the festival in promoting unity among the ethnic communities the state government started celebration of the festival at the state level since last year.
He further informed that the Thousil Lup will celebrate the festival this year too, albeit without any entertainment activities keeping in mind the humanitarian crisis.
This year, the festival will centre on exchange of gifts between hill and valley people, 'Mera Thaomei Thanba' (lighting oil lamps in Mera month), "Kwak Tanba" and other religious activities.
He also mentioned that titular King of Manipur, village chiefs and indigenous community leaders will assemble at the Royal Palace and conduct all religious activities as in the past.