Imphal, March 28: Keeping alive with the age-old tradition, Kongba Leithong Phatpa ceremony was solemnly performed at Kongba Leingang Pokpi Laikol by reverend Maichous (high priests) of Royal Palace today.

The religious ceremony of Kongba Leithong Phatpa also known as Sajibu Leikhun Touba has been performing every year on the seventh day of Sajibu, corresponding to the first month of the year according to Manipuri lunar calender, since the time of Manipuri King Charairongba, to predict fortune and misfortune of the State during the year.

The fortune or the misfortune likely to be encountered by the people of the State during the course of year are decipher from the sign or things, living as well as nonliving, found while digging up the designated holy spots.

Based On the prediction made by the high priests of the Royal Palace after studying the signs, necessary precautionary measures were taken up in advance to prevent any untoward incident and religious rites and rituals were performed to appease and pray to God for protection of the people from the impending perils.

While performing the ceremony in the presence of the officials of Royal Palace, priests, priestesses, elders and devotees today at the holy grove of Kongba Leingang Pokpi situated near Haotal Pangei, one live Mollusk and two Centipedes were came across.

Based on the findings, it has been predicted the people of the States might face a spell of drought during the year.

The high priests of the Royal Palace also envisaged certain bad omens which might come from the side of Moirang Laiji (South-Eastern direction), the domain of Thangjing, one of the guardian Gods of Manipur but the severity of the harm might be mitigated by Koubru, another guardian God, guarding North-Western side of the State.

Similarly, Marjing, guardian spirit protecting North-Eastern side, might also countered unwanted elements that would originate from South-Eastern, the realm of Wangbrel.

As per the tradition, the performance of the solemn ceremony was done under the watchful eye of present titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba and three Maichous specially appointed for purpose.

They are Maichou Purel, Maichou Yaima and Maichou Atomba.

The ceremony started after the three Maichous designated three sites representing one each for Sanamahi, Pureilomba and Pakhangba, three pantheon Godheads of Sanamahism.

Mollusca was found from the site of Pakhangba and the two Centipedes from that of Pureilomba.

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