Mera Hou Chongba 2026 to Be Held on October 26; Appeal Against Bandhs and Disruptions

IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Mera Hou Chongba 2026 will be celebrated from October 24 to 26, with many cultural troupes from hills and more than 100 village chiefs expected to participate in the main function at Kangla Uttra on October 26.

Addressing a press conference, Maniton, a member of the State-Level Organising Committee for Mera Hou Chongba 2026, said the three-day celebration would feature traditional rituals, cultural performances and activities aimed at strengthening the bonds between the hill and valley communities of Manipur.

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Maniton said the programme would begin on October 24, 13th day of Mera, with village chiefs and cultural troupes reporting at the office of the State-Level Organising Committee at the Directorate of Art and Culture, Palace Compound. A reception programme for village chiefs, participants and cultural troupes will also be held at Sana Konung.

On October 25, the 14th day of Mera, they will visit Loktak Lake. The MLA of Thanga Assembly Constituency will also host a lunch, while a Shumang Leela performance will be staged at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

The main celebration will be held at Kangla Uttra on October 26, featuring a cultural procession by representatives of indigenous communities from Sana Konung to Kangla, led by Iningthou Leishemba Sanajaoba.

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Around 600 cultural troupes and more than 100 village chiefs are expected to attend the main function, Maniton said.

He appealed to organisations and groups not to call bandhs or undertake activities that could disrupt the celebration. He urged everyone to ensure that village chiefs and cultural troupes travelling from the hill areas could attend the event without any hindrance.

Another committee member, Maisnam Shivadutta Kuwang, said this year’s celebration would be historic as it would mark the first time that participants would stay at the Hill (Tribal) Chiefs’ Guest House.

Mera Hou Chongba is an annual cultural celebration that symbolises the traditional bonds and unity between the hill and valley communities of Manipur.

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