Imphal, April 25 2009: Taking serious note of the decaying culture of mannerism while performing Lai Haraoba, the worship of deities, the Education Cell Secretary of Ethno Heritage Council (HERICOUN), Maniton said that the manner of performing Lai Haraoba needs to be monitored so as to ensure the traditional customs of worshipping is not defied.

Speaking as a resource person at the one-day discussion programme on Umang Lai Haraoba jointly organised by the Umang Lai Thougal Thouni Lup and HERICOUN at Langathel Community Hall today, Maniton said that there is no restriction of other religion followers to join the Lai Haraoba in manner that is acceptable.

Maniton noted that there are some people, in their attempt to reduce the ritual to a mere feast of the eyes, performing the Lai Haraoba in different form contrary to the traditional practices by replacing the Lai Haraoba dance to other dance forms.

He also observed that the ritual songs have been replaced by film songs and others.

As such, he said, the Lai Haraoba needs strict monitoring in every locality to prevent deviation from the traditional practice.

Asserting that the Lai Haraoba is the identity of the Meiteis, everyone must be involved in preserving and promoting the cultural essence of Lai Haraoba while saying that the efforts of some organisation will only prove futile.

Other speakers who delivered talks on the subject include Naoroibam Indramani, and Wahengbam Lukhoi of Pandit Loishang.

Enthusiastic participants have also raised questions on the subject and a healthy discussion was held.

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