Puya Mei Thaba remembered
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 08 2025: As observed annually, the 293rd commemoration of Puya Mei Thaba (the burning of the ancient Meitei script) was held today at Yumnam Kesho Singh Community Hall at Naoremthong.

Organised by the Puya Mei Thakhibagi Apunba Ningshing Lup (PUMANIL), Kangleipak, the programme began with a two-minute silence to honour the Maichous (ancient Meitei priests and scholars) .

Addressing the function, ACOAM-Lup president Soraisam Sanjit stated that the Puyas (archaic Meitei manuscripts containing diverse knowledge) were burnt on the 17th lunar day of Mera in 1732 AD.

He described the day as a dark moment in history, observed annually with solemnity.

Sanjit claimed that the burning occurred during King Pamheiba's reign, influenced by Hindu missionaries led by Santidas Gosai.

He said that the burning of the Puyas was a major setback for 'our society' as the ancient manuscripts contained cultural wisdom that served as the eyes and ears of the people.

COCOMI coordinator Khuraijam Athouba also attended the programme.

He said that the Puyas were precious manuscripts containing Meitei knowledge of their culture, history, religious and social practices, ancestral lineage, governance, and more.

He claimed that the Puyas were burnt under the influence of Hindu missionary leaders, who undermined the ancient religious practices of the Meiteis before their adoption of Hinduism.

Athouba claimed that the burning of the Puyas led to Meitei society becoming disconnected from its cultural, historical, and spiritual roots.

KANGLAMEI president Y Leirik Leima , KIL president RK Sanahanbi ,CLK president Ch Pakpi Chanu and social and cultural activist Akham Langol also attended the programme among others.

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