Day of Integrity call marks essence of Mera Hou Chongba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 26 2026: Demonstrating the age-old ties between the hill and valley people, Mera Hou Chongba was celebrated today at Sana Konung and Kangla.

The main features of the celebrations included folk dances and music presented by different ethnic groups of the State, exchange of gifts and cultural performances.

At around 11 am, a religious procession comprising priests, priestesses and Thang-Ta artistes, led by titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, proceeded from Sana Konung to Kangla Uttra.

At Kangla Uttra, customary religious rituals, including Mera Men Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba, were performed.

Day of Integrity call marks essence of Mera Hou Chongba

Leishemba Sanajaoba then lit the ceremonial lamps after offering prayers to Ibudhou Pakhangba.

Chief Minister Y Khemchand released a souvenir on Mera Hou Chongba while people from the hill and valley areas exchanged gifts, symbolising the age-old ties between them.

Members of various organisations representing vendors of Khwairamband Keithel, along with people from different parts of the State, also attended the programme, bringing gifts as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity.

As the Chief Minister was about to address the gathering as chief guest at Kangla, people raised slogans such as "Iramdam Manipur Na Yaiphare" and "Chingmi-Tammi Amatani", calling for unity among the people.

Khemchand described Mera Hou Chongba as a "Day of Integrity" that reflects the unity and integrity of Manipur.

The Chief Minister stated that the 36 communities of Manipur had stood together in defending the land and its independence in the past, including during the Anglo-Manipur War and the Seven Years' Devastation.

He emphasised that their shared history and collective sacrifices underscore the importance of preserving the unity and integrity of the State.

The Chief Minister also lauded Leishemba Sanajaoba for his initiatives in ensuring the timely completion of the Hill Chiefs' Guest House.

Khemchand said the newly constructed facility would provide a suitable place for hill chiefs to stay whenever they visit Imphal.

The Chief Minister further appreciated Leishemba Sanajaoba for insisting that the guest house be inaugurated only after the building is completed, reflecting his commitment to ensuring that the facility was ready to serve its intended purpose.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the Hill Chiefs' Guest House would further strengthen ties between the hill and valley people and provide a welcoming space for hill chiefs and community leaders visiting the State capital.

Leishemba Sanajaoba said that Mera Hou Chongba is closely associated with the history of Manipur.

He said the event could not be organised on a grand scale due to the prevailing situation in the State.

Ukhrul AC MLA Ram Muivah, who attended the event as the guest of honour, said that Mera Hou Chongba is a festival that strengthens ties between the hill and valley people.

He added that the festival demonstrated the inseparable bond between the hill and valley people.

Ram Muivah further said that Cheitharol Kumbaba and Ningthourol Kumbaba reflected the inseparable bond between the Nagas and Meiteis, stating that 70 to 80 per cent of the contents of the ancient texts highlighted the ties between the two communities.

Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Art and Culture and Tourism Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLAs, Chief Secretary Rajeev Singh Thakur, hill chiefs, officers, police personnel and others also attended the event.