Mera Hou Chongba celebrated in its true essence
Hill-valley bond stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 09 2022: Mera Hou Chongba is a celebration beyond religion that fosters the bond of brotherhood and love and celebrates unity among the people of hills and the valley of Manipur, said titular king and Member of Parliament, Leishemba Sanajaoba today.

The Rajya Sabha MP was speaking as chief guest at the State Level Mera Hou Chongba celebration held at Kangla today.

The celebration with pomp and gaiety was organised by State Level Organising Committee on Mera Houchongba, 2022 .

The celebration started at around 10 am with a ritual procession of people of hills and valley led by titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba from Sana Konung to Kangla.

At Kangla, titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba performed several rituals including "Mera Wayungba", "Men Tongba", "Yenkhong Tamba" .

In the evening, in front of Kangla Uttra, people of hills and valley exchanged gifts to mark the celebration.

Thawaijao Hungpung Village, Ukhrul, headman AS Wangayung Peter presented and honoured Leishemba Sanajaoba by presenting 'Khongleihanba AS Wungnaoyo Zimik Mera Houchongba Award, 2022' .

Addressing the people, Leishemba Sanajaoba said Mera Hou Chongba is a celebration beyond religion and is one of a kind.

The celebration from the time of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba signifies the sacred bond of brotherhood between the people of the hills and the valley.

The celebration today has again renewed and fostered the bond, he said.

When other celebrations in India and beyond are attached to specific religions/beliefs, Mera Hou Chongba celebrates the unity of all communities living in Manipur irrespective of their religion and beliefs.

The celebration is not complete without the people of the hills, he said.

Even though the celebration at Kangla was halted for sometime due to financial and other constraints, the State Level Mera Hou Chongba celebration was resumed in 2018 under Chief Minister N Biren Singh with a determination to foster the relation between the people of hills and the valley, Sanajaoba said.

Stating that the celebration would remain forever, he also appealed people of all communities to protect and preserve the celebration in its true form.

CAF&PD Minister L Sushindro and Textile, Commerce and Industry Minister Nemcha Kipgen also attended the celebration.

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