Ukhrul: Indigenous communities of Manipur celebrated the Mera Hou Chongba festival with traditional fervour and gaiety on Thursday, the full moon day (Thanil) of the Mera month, according to the Manipuri lunar calendar.
The festival commenced early in the day with a grand procession led by Manipur’s Titular King and Rajya Sabha MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba, from the Manipur Royal Palace to Kangla Fort. This significant cultural event, celebrated with traditional enthusiasm, aims to strengthen the bond between the hill and valley people. Indigenous participants and cultural troupes, dressed in traditional attire, took part in the vibrant festivities. The procession was warmly welcomed at Kangla Fort by priests and priestesses in front of Uttra Shanglen.
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The Titular King participated in the traditional Men-Tongba and Yenkhong Tamba ceremonies at Kangla Men-Surung, later lighting the Mera Thoumei lamp. Speaking on the occasion, Leishemba Sanajaoba emphasized the importance of unity between the hill and valley communities and highlighted the festival’s deep cultural and historical significance, which dates back to the reign of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. He called for the unification of indigenous communities for their collective welfare and future prosperity.
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After the rituals, people gathered in front of Uttra Shanglen for the main function, organized by the State Level Organizing Committee on Mera Hou Chongba 2024. Addressing the gathering, Water Resources Minister Awangbou Newmai underscored the role of the Mera Hou Chongba festival in fostering emotional and cultural unity between the hill and valley people. He urged the younger generation to preserve their traditions amid modern influences and stressed that restoring peace in Manipur is a collective responsibility, not one that the government alone can achieve.
The festival included cultural performances and the exchange of traditional gifts between hill and valley communities. Dignitaries jointly released the Souvenir of Mera Hou Chongba 2024 as part of the celebrations.
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