Imphal: Crowds swarmed the moat of Sagolband Bijoy Govinda in Imphal on September 22 for the Heikru Hidongba ceremony. This annual event, held on the 11th day of the Meitei lunar month of Langban Tha, mixes ancient customs with a high-stakes boat race. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and his wife, Jyoti Bhalla, attended the gathering managed by the Bijoygovind Sevayet Committee.
The tradition traces its origins to 984 AD during the reign of Maharaja Irengba. It seeks to protect the folklore and practices of past generations. RK Rakeshwor, a member of the Bijoygovind Sevayet Committee, noted the significance of the event. "Heikru Hidongba is among the socio-religious ceremonies traditionally observed to pray for peace and prosperity in the community," he said.
Two boats raced on the moat following a series of sanctification rituals. These rites included devotional singing and prayers held before Shri Shri Rasheswori Govindajee and Shri Shri Bijoygovind. Participants offered garlands containing 108 Indian gooseberries and 108 grains of hand-husked rice to Bijoygovind. Sagolband MLA RK Imo also attended, sharing his hope that the festival brings normalcy back to the state.
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