Ningol Chakkouba
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 26 2014: Ningol Chakkouba, the festival which signifies the bond of affection between brothers and sisters, was widely celebrated in the State yesterday.

All Manipur Ethnical Social Cultural Organisation (AMESCO), Manipur Inat Kanba Lup, All Manipur Art and Cultural Student Union (AMACSU) and Manipur State Shumang Leela Council celebrated the day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

AMESCO president Sh Nando, Manipur Nat Kanba Lup president Ph Gunachandra Sharma, Manipur State Shumang Leela Council secretary general Sh Hemanta and AMACSU president H Shyamkumar Sharma were the presidium members of the celebration.

Manipur Baptist Convention Centre Church, Chingmeirong also celebrated Ningol Chakkouba yesterday.

MBC not only hosted a grand feast for the women from hill areas who married valley men, but also presented gifts to them.

Ningol Chakkouba

Salai Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup (Sanulal) also organised Ningol Chakkouba celebration at Leimarol Lamjingkon (Leimakon), Achanbigei in Imphal East district.

Minor Irrigation Department Chief Engineer L Gourakishore, Model Club member H Indeshore, IMC Ward No 16 Councillor M Subhash, RIMS Gynaecologist Dr L Pameshori, Imphal College Lecturer Dr M Binota, ILP Convenor L Nganbi, Sanulal vice-president Thokchom Ibemhal, Sanulal advisor Ibethoi and Sanulal joint secretary Shanti Devi were the special guests of the celebration.

Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons also celebrated the festival at Maklang Bazar.

Manipur State Social Welfare Board Chairperson Ch Leibaklotpi, NCUI Project Coordination Committee Chairperson Jeena Potshangbam, Patsoi Zilla Parishad member Thokchom Sumanta, Relief Centre for the Welfare of Differently Abled Person president Ch Opendro, Sapam Leikai Gram Panchayat Pradhan A Bishorjit, Maklang Gram Panchayat Pradhan Oinam Tondon and SSA/SMA Disrtrict Programme Coordinator P Ronika were present at the occasion.

National Identity Protection Committee (NIPCO) in collaboration with Divine Nongpok Ningthou Youth Club, Heirok Part-II and Apunba Nupi Angang Semgat Lup, Heirok organised Chingmi-Tammi Ningol Chakkouba at Heirok Devi Mandip Leikai.

Sunil Karam, president, NIPCO; BM Yaima Saha, President, UPF; Elangbam Rajmohon, president, Divine Nongpok Ningthou Youths Club Heirok Part (II); Athoi Boungte Aimol, executive member, IMOM; Chaothoi Kom, chief of Kakching Mantak village, Koyangam Kuki; Ph Shakhi Leima, president AMKIL; Kh Gunamani Leima, president, Chaokhat Khongthang Nupi Angang Semgat Lup, Heirok and A Sitara Begum, president, All Manipur United Manipuri Muslim Organisation attended the programme as the presidium members and special invitees, according to a NIPCO statement.

Attired in respective traditional shawls, womenfolk belonging to various ethnic indigenous communities of Heirok, Pallel and Nongpok Sekmai areas took part in the Ningol Chakkouba.

Besides enjoying a grand feast, the participants (womenfolk) were presented gifts.

During the Chakkouba, the participants stressed the need to strengthen the bond among all indigenous communities.

Integrity of the society can be achieved when there is mutual respect and appreciation of each others' cultural ethos.

Love and affection would be reinforced if the relations between the brothers and sisters is strengthened ever more.

The NIPCO statement also strongly opposed commercialising Ningol Chakkouba deliberately ignoring the true essence and spirit of the festival.