Mera Hou Chongba celebrated with exchange of gifts among hills and plains
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 12 2011: The bond of love and brotherhood which existed among the people of the hills and the valleys was renewed with the celebration of Mera Hou Chongba today.

The Mera Hou Chongba festival was held at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen today organised jointly by the Mera Hou Chongba Thousil Lup and HERICOUN.

The celebration was marked by the exchange of gifts among various people coming from different parts of the state, both hills and plains, in the presence of the Titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba.

People coming from far off places gathered at the Palace.

From there they proceeded towards Kangla along with Leisemba Sanajaoba and the Mera Men Tongba, the traditional function was observed along with the lighting up of Mera Thaomei.

All traditional functions were performed here by the amaibas and amaibis.

Later the main function of Mera Hou Chongba was celebrated at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.

Speaking on the occasion as the President, Titular King of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the Mera Hou Chongba Festival has been celebrated in the state since time immemorial.

The festival reminds us the bond of love and brotherhood among the people of the hills and the plains.

It is an important festival for bringing about peace in the trouble torn state of Manipur.

A rally as a part of the Mera Houchongba celebration-2011

Delivering the key note address, Churamani, President HERICOUN said that the Mera Hou Chongba festival which has been celebrated by our forefathers since time immemorial should be celebrated every year which will help bridge the gap of misunderstanding between the hills and plains.

The festival was also celebrated at Kangla jointly organized by the Kangla Fort Board and Kangla Religious Committee.

The function was graced by Ph Parijat, Agriculture Minister, Sairem Nilbir, member, Kangla Fort Board and Azar Malue, Vice-Chairman, Ukhrul Autonomous District Council as the Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

On the occasion, the Manipuri Integrity Association Bangladesh and the Ramgarh Manipur Nupi Chaokhat Khongthang Lup came with gifts and exchanged it among the people of the hills and the plains.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Ph Parijat said that the Mera Hou Chongba festival is the only festival which is both of the hills and the plains.

During those days, when the condition of the roads were bad and there was lack of communication the people of the hills and the plains, they met once in a year on the occasion of Mera Hou Chongba, and shared the joy of love and brotherhood among each other.

But now, when transportation facilities have improved the relationship between the people of the hills and the plains has worsened.

They tend to quarrel on the slightest of provocations, but fortunately there has been no fierce communal violence in the state so far.

We need to come together and work as one.

The love between the hills and the plains need to be revived.

Azar Malue, Vice-Chairman, Ukhrul Autonomous District Council, on the occasion said that there can be bond of love and peace in the state if the people understand the meaning and idea the festival is trying to convey to the people.

Meanwhile, the ACOAM-Lup kangleipak also observed the Mera Hou Chongba festival at Naoremthong Laishram Leirak Khullem Leikai Community hall today.

The function was attended by Indrakumar Ningomba, President Acoam-Lup, Prof N Iboton, Dean, CAU, Iroishemba, Charto Neikipchong Kom, Kom Keirap, Loktak Project, Tomal of Lamlang Hupki, Chothe Village, Bishnupur, ND Chongneiwon, Chief of Thangjing Chiru, Kolomcha Achoubi Khumanm, VP, South East Asia Cultural Organisation (SEACO) and W Homendro, President, Kangleipak Calendar Board as presidium members.