Definition of the Heikru Hidongba

Bijoy Govinda Sevayet Committee *

239th Heikru Hidongba at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda, Imphal on 2nd September 2017 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

In a twin boat sanctified by the presence of the deity amidst chanting of Sankritana and music, arti is offered.

Tengmaileppa (he who takes care of the boat), Hinao Shaba (he who steer the boat) Chang Shaba (he who looks after the Tengmaileppa), Nourungba (he who takes care of leakage of water inside the boat) etc. and Naomang Shaba (he who helps the one who steers the boat) are the main participants of the race who will put on Ningkham and Shamjin, traditional components of formal dress of such festivities.

Some more oarsmen are also there. Along with this the King will be present along with Vishnu, If the King could not be present, in that case, Vishnu will occupy the seat where traditional royal seat is laid out.

In keeping with customary tradition one day before the festival of Heikru Hidongba, the King and the Vishnu are offered ritual invitation. In the evening boat race practice is done.

While on the eve of the festival, at midnight the Hidongba (riders) flakes of silver and gold put in a nganthak tengnou shaba (well-shaped earthen receptacle to put traditional smoke flakes) will be offered to Bijoy Govinda.

A garland of 108 heikru (amla) interspersed with stem of Hup (a wild grass) and another garland of 108 rice the peeling being done by hand will be first offered to Bijoy Govinda and afterwards placed at the hull of the boat.

Before the boat race starts Bijoy Govinda will have a pleasure visit of the panoramic scene. The two leaders of the race boat after due offerings to God will start the race.

239th Heikru Hidongba at Sagolband Bijoy Govinda, Imphal on 2nd September 2017 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

"HEIKRU HIDONGBA”

The festival of Hiekru Hidongba is performed at the moat of the Bijoy Govinda every year on the 11th day of the Manipuri Calendar Month Langban with elements of religion, custom and other traditional belief of creation.

Historically, it is one of the serveral festival to bring prospertity to the community which was started during the reign of King Bheigyachandra in 1779 A.D. With the passage of time and through the reign of serveral Kings, many changes took place in the religious life of the Meiteis.

Nongpok Leirikhomba (Anantashai) uncle to the King tried hard to preserve the tradition and to effect an adjustment between the old and the new. Shri Shri Bijoy Govindaji, from the royal place coming with customary rites and rituals after the completion of which it was installed in the new temple dedicated by Anantashai at Sagolband.

Heikru Hidongba festival is not performed at any other place than at moat of Bijoy Govinda.

See a photo gallery of Heikru Hidongba at Bijoy Govinda on September 2 2017 here