Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba opened the Hills Tribal Chiefs’ Guest House on Saturday. Located at the Palace Compound in Imphal, the site provides lodging for visiting delegates. The facility solves long-standing accommodation struggles for hill leaders. It hosts guests arriving for the annual Mera Hou Chongba festival.
Construction started in 2020 with North Eastern Council funds. Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched the project. Current officials finished the work. Attendees at the ceremony included MLA Tongbram Robindro and various hill chiefs.
The festival took place on October 26 at Kangla Fort and Sana Konung. Observance was subdued. Law and order concerns limited the scale of the event. Despite the tension, traditional rituals continued. The morning began with a procession from Sana Konung to Kangla Fort. Participants performed the Mera Men Tongba, Mera Yenkhong Tamba, and Mera Thaomei Thanba.
King Sanajaoba noted the significance of the day. He said, "Mera Hou Chongba is a customary festival that represents the eternal bond between Manipur’s hill and valley communities." He prayed for regional peace and unity. Afternoon programming included gift exchanges and traditional dance performances. The State Level Mera Hou Chongba Committee organized the event with the state government. This festival marks the longstanding connection between all 36 communities in the state.
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