Ukhrul, October 7: Mera Hou Chongba, a cultural festival symbolizing unity and harmony among Manipur’s indigenous communities, was celebrated on Tuesday at the historic Kangla in Imphal.
The grand celebration at Kangla witnessed a huge turnout from diverse communities of both the hills and the valley, further strengthening the age-old bond and love among the indigenous peoples of the state.
Mera Hou Chongba, observed for centuries on the fifth lunar day of the Mera month in the Meitei lunar calendar, continues to highlight the enduring relationship between the hill and valley communities.
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The ceremony began early in the morning with the titular King, (Maharaja) Leishemba Sanajaoba, who also serves as the Rajya Sabha MP, leading a grand procession from the Royal Palace (Sana Konung) to Kangla. Hundreds of participants, including village chiefs and headmen from various communities, joined the ritual march, all dressed in their finest and most colourful traditional attire. The diverse gathering reflected the inclusive spirit of the festival.
On the eve of the celebration, Maharaja Sanajaoba hosted around 135 village chiefs from across Manipur, engaging in discussions and sharing stories of their shared heritage. Such engagement, he said, strengthens the age-old bonds and renews the collective commitment to peace and harmony.
Symbolizing unity and brotherhood among Manipur’s diverse indigenous groups, Mera Hou Chongba continues to serve as a reminder of the shared cultural roots and collective spirit that bind the people of the hills and the valley.
The grand celebration at Kangla also featured traditional rituals such as Mera Men Tongba (lighting of the unity fire), Yenkhong Tamba, and the exchange of symbolic gifts between tribal chiefs and valley representatives.
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The festival further showcased Manipur’s rich and diverse culture, with performances by 15 cultural troupes representing different ethnic communities who presented traditional dances and folk songs.
Speaking on the occasion, Maharaja Sanajaoba said that Mera Hou Chongba is the only festival that has united all the indigenous people of Manipur since 33 AD, during the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.
“There are many festivals across the world, but most are celebrated by a specific community or religion. However, Mera Hou Chongba is unique — it brings all communities together on a common platform,” Maharaja Sanajaoba said.
He also appealed to the people of Manipur to pass on this age-old tradition to younger generations so that a united, peaceful and harmonious Manipur can flourish in the future.
“May this festival bring peace, love, unity, prosperity and solidarity among all the ethnic communities of the state,” he added.
Since 2017, the state government has organized Mera Hou Chongba as a state-level festival to promote unity, oneness and communal harmony among Manipur’s diverse communities.