The cherry trees were in full bloom, and the melodic sound of cuckoos echoed throughout the green and lofty hills—it’s spring season, a time for romance for both new and old lovers.
Long ago, in a village called Phungcham, Shimreishang visited his beloved Maitonphi, who was weaving clothes and house-sitting while her parents were away attending to the field.
Shimreishang: Aton, let us spend the whole day together. This day is precious to us.
Maitonphi: Ameishang, if only you want to, let us, the whole day is for us.
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They spent the day making “Hansho,” a bread made from sticky rice and sesame. They exchanged pleasantries and smiles, stealing glances, and parted only at dusk. Shimreishang and Maitonphi were known for their good physique and looks, much talked about in their village and neighbouring villages. But more well-known and talked about was their love story—a love story heard far and wide.
Forbidden to marry due to their different social statuses—Shimreishang from a higher-status family and Maitonphi from an ordinary one—Maitonphi was secretly married off to Pansa of Halang village in haste. They continued to meet even after Maitonphi’s marriage.
Maitonphi died of illness, which broke Shimreishang’s heart. He pined for his early death so that he could be with Maitonphi at ‘Kazeiram’ (Hades). He died soon after. To assuage their sorrow, the families of the two lovers hired a shaman to perform rituals for their lives at Hades. They were told by the Shaman that they were married and happily living in the land of Hades.
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The real love story and life of Shimreishang from the Zimik clan and the beautiful Maitonphi from the Longleng clan of Phungcham were first published in 1974 by the former chairman of the Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM), (Late) P. R. Yangkahao, during his tenure as principal of Pettigrew College, Ukhrul. To this day, their love story is retold, inspiring many writers and musicians.
As a tribute to their love, Shimreishang and Maitonphi Park in Tenglon was dedicated to tourists and visitors on May 11, 2018.
Today, it has become an ideal picnic spot for locals and tourists. The Yangreiram Beautification Society (YBS) has constructed a statue of Ashang and Aton, along with two kitchens and a hall for visitors. The vast space available for camping is a great attraction, especially for nature and adventure lovers. The scenic view is also an ideal spot for those interested in photography to capture beautiful moments.
Beneath the majestic Mount Longthan (Longnao/Group Dispersing Point) lies Phungcham village. Believed to have traveled from Makhel, it is home to Shimreishang and Maitonphi, located 28 kilometers from Ukhrul Headquarters.
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