Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur observed the traditional festival of Ningol Chakouba on Wednesday. Married daughters returned to their parental homes for reunions, feasting, and the exchange of gifts. The celebration, held on the second day of the Meitei lunar month of Hiyangei, highlighted the enduring connection between brothers and sisters. Families shared traditional meals, frequently featuring fish, while brothers provided gifts to their siblings.
This year, the festival carried a weightier message. The state faces deep social divisions. Official and community leaders pushed for unity. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh issued messages calling for social harmony. Ahead of the events, the Chief Minister provided Rs 5.88 crore in financial aid to 58,863 internally displaced persons through direct bank transfers.
The All Manipur Ethnical Socio-Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) hosted a major event on November 11 at the Khonghampat Awang Leikai Community Hall. AMESCO has maintained this tradition since 1993. Participants included AMESCO president-in-charge Ibotombi Loitongbam, Manipur University of Culture Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kananbala Sarangthem, and social scientist Dr. Dhanabir Laishram. Attendees also included Ema Soraisam Memcha, Wangkhem Ibema, and Arshad Basheimayum.
Security forces and community groups joined forces to host inter-community events. The Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and state forces partnered with AMESCO to hold gatherings in Khonghampat, Kakching, Pallel, Kakching Khunou, and Bishnupur. These sites welcomed Naga women, various tribal members, and residents of displacement camps. Outside the state, Manipuris in Mumbai held their own gatherings to honor their heritage.
Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei marked the day at his home in Babupara, Imphal. He emphasized that the festival remains a tool for reconciliation. His family shared a formal statement regarding the significance of the day. "Different roots, one river of love. No distance can dry it, no difference can divide it. For many waters cannot quench love — This is Ningol Chakouba, where hearts return home," the message read.
The tradition dates back to the reign of King Chandrakirti, who ruled between 1850 and 1886. Modern observers now use the event to bridge community gaps. The goal remains clear. Leaders hope the spirit of the day will push Manipur toward a more peaceful future.
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