Puya Mei Thaba date observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 30: Participated by representatives of various indigenous groups of people living in Manipur since time immemorial, the 279th Puya Mei Thaba Commemoration Day was observed at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound here today.

Offering of floral tributes to the ancestors who were strongly opposed to the burning of Puyas, ancient manuscripts of the Manipuri people, at the behest of Shantidas Gosai, a Hindu religious missionary, in front of Kangla Uttra, presentation of Maichou Ningshing Mana and Chingmi-Tammi Nungshi Khudol Mana were main highlights of the observance function.

The observance function was organised under the aegis of Meetei National Front (MNF), Kangleipak.

Manipuri Muslim women participating in the procession taken out to mark the Puya Mei Thaba day

After taking out a procession till Kangla Uttra passing through Nongmeibung, Soibam Leikai, North AOC, the procession concluded at Hapta Kangjeibung where the main observance function was held along with a public meeting.

Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba attended the function as chief guest.

Acting president of MNF, Kangleipak Chingsubam Ongbi Wangambi Leima; headman of Khongbal (Hongmahn) Tangkhul village Asui Zimik, Dousei Haokip of Mongbung, Sugnu; Retired Selection Grade Lecturer of GP Women's College Alhaj Prof Riyazuddin Chaudhury; advisor of MNF Kangleipak Moirangthem Naodalen-khomba; retired principal of DM College of Commerce and member of Kangla Fort Board Sairem Nilbir, former Minister RV Mingthing, advisor of Motbung Village Authority L Shatkho Thadou; headman of Sadu Koireng Ngirel Koireng; chief of Purum Likli S Renaichong Purum; headman of Echum Kom Keirap Darthang Kom; former chief of Echum Kom Keirap Luthatsong Kom; Ningthou of Maram Centre K Taruba; Ningthou of Purumchumbam Chothe, Komlathabi Maipakchao Chothe; Councillor of ward no.22 Wangkhei A/C Alam Touthang and Sathan Haokip of Churachandpur graced the function as presidium members.

Giving the key note address of the function, secretary general of Meetei National Front Wangamba Meetei recalled the incident of burning of Puyas of in front of Kangla Uttra on the 23rd day of Wakching, Thursday, 1729 and said it was a great setback to the identity of the people.

In his address as chief guest of the function, Leishemba Sanajaoba observed that 23rd day of Wakching is one of the days in which the most saddest event had taken place in the history of Manipur.

It was on this day that the precious and most sacred Puyas of Manipur had been destroyed, he said.

The Puyas are not some compilation of the religious rites and rituals of the people, but sacred manuscripts that speak about the various groups of people living in the State, their lifestyles, cosmology, medicinal knowledge, etc.

Fortunately, all these manuscripts have not been lost or set on fire.

Some of the elders of that time had hidden these Puyas.

So it is high time for the present generation to collect these Puyas and study them scientifically, the titular king exhorted.

He further observed that all the different groups of people living in Manipur since time immemorial are brothers and sisters so there is no need to reiterate on this point.

We will be brothers and sisters all the time, he added.

As part of the observance function, Yensembam Thoungamba of Moreh Ward No.7, Thongkhong Awang Leikai was honoured with Maichou Ningshing Mana and headman of Khongbal (Hongmahn) Tangkhul village Asui Zimik with Chingmi-Tammi Nungshi Khudol Mana.