Imphal, October 17: The traditional Mera Houchongba festival was celebrated to re-affirm the close bond and ties between the hill and valley people all over the State today.

Marked by a spirit of camaraderie among the people of various communities living in Manipur, the sound of traditional folk dances and songs echoed throughout the length and breadth of the State on the occasion.

The main event was held at Sana Konung (the Royal Palace) here with titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba presiding over the function and attended by his advisors, Royal Council members, village chiefs coming from different parts of the State.

Presentation of cultural dances by Meetei, Tangkhul, Kabui, Kharam, Maring, etc marked the occasion jointly organised by Mera Houchongba Thougal Lup of the Royal Palace and Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN).

In keeping with the tradition, Athenpots were brought by the people coming to take part in the celebration and Khullakpa of Tarung Khul Laichunglung Kabui performed that Yenkhong Tamba ritual at Kangla in the morning to forecast the fortune of the State in the coming year besides invoking the blessings of the Almighty.

Later addressing the gathering at the function held at Sana Konung, the titular King observed that Mera Houchongba is a traditional festival that symbolises unity and affinity between the hill and the valley people.

All those who spoke at the occasion also stressed on the need to strengthen the bond among the different groups of living in Manipur since time immemorial.

As in the previous years, All Manipur Ethno Socio Cultural Organisation (AMESCO) and Hou Khunai Inat Thousil Lup organised a grand function to mark the occasion at GM Hall here today.

Keeping alive the tradition, the rituals of Phambal Tongba, Meiba Chingba, Menkhong Tamba, Yupan Thaba, etc were performed since early morning and attended by a large number of people coming from different parts of the State.

Hou Khunai Thousil Lup president PD Souma, chief of Maram Centre K Tarungba Maram, AMESCO president Anek Vaiphei, chief of Thangal Surung K Abung Thangkhul, secretary of Mizo People's Convention Kima Mizo, TH Thorei Pamei of Zugam village authority, chief of Maring village R Morung Maring, L Jason Tangkhul of Mapou Keithelmanbi Senapati district, social worker Th Iboyaima, vice president of Vaiphei People's Convention Paocha Vaiphei, Jatra Chothe of Lalam Village Authority, ex-president of Hou Khunai Thousil Lup Sathiton Tangkhul, Kh Meichung Tarao of Heikrakpokpi Chandel district were among dignitaries who graced at the function.

Giving the key note address, AMESCO general secretary IB Luwang said that although the Mera Houchongba festival is being since time immemorial at Sana Konung, the function has been organised to ensure that all the people of Manipur, who were united in the past but had been divided on religious ground in recent time could partook in the festivity together like before.

Social worker Iboyaima emphasised celebrating Mera Houchongba in its true spirit and said this could help in bringing the people together.

AMESCO president Anek Vaiphei said although change is inevitable every effort should be made to preserved the unique cultural identity of the people.

It is through this that the people could strengthen the feeling of oneness, he added.

People belonging to various communities like Koireng, Maring, Mizo, Mao, Chothe, Tangkhul, Thadou took part in the celebration during which cultural troupes coming from as far as Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati district presented cultural dances to enthrall the people.

Manipuri dances were also performed at the occasion.

In Thoubal district, the 9th Mera Houchongba celebration was held under the joint auspices of All Thoubal District United Clubs' Organisation (ATDUCO) and SEDO Hiyanglam at Wabagai High School ground.

A unique feature of the event held under the theme of �Strengthen th bond of living together' this time was felicitation of MC Mary Kom and L Sarita Chanu, the two women boxing champions along with International body builder in 60 kg category from Thoubal district Sh Kanta and this year's Yambem Mani Sahitya awardee noted writer M Nabakishore.

Gifts were also exchanged among the hill and valley people who came to taken part in the celebration from different parts besides showing their rich cultural heritage through dances and folksongs.

AMUCO advisor Dr Dhanabir Laishram, former AMUCO president Jagat Thoudam and Dean of School of Social Sciences, MU Prof Joykumar spoke at the function.

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