Mera Houchongba celebrated at Sana Konung

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 31 : One of the important State function, 'Mera Houchongba' was celebrated in parts of Manipur today with the main function organised at Uttra Sanglen, Sana Konung (Royal Palace) in the presence of titular king and Rajya MP, Leishemba Sanajaoba and chiefs of various tribal villages across the State.
The celebration to mark the brotherly bond between hills and valley people saw Khullakpa of Ramji Khun, G Ganguilung lead in exchanging gifts while Kabui chief, K Gaipuilang performed the 'Yenkhong Tamba' rituals.
Prior to the main celebration, the king, courtiers, priest and priestess (amaiba amaibis) visited the 'main surung' at Kangla and performed rituals and raised 'Mera Thaomei' before Kabui priest performed 'Yengkhong Tamba' ritual to study omens.
Speaking to media persons, titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba said that the preparation of 'Mera Houchongba' celebration which has been observed since ages, was started 15 days earlier with a series of prayers and rituals.
The main celebration is marked by rituals including 'Mera Men Tongba', 'Mera Wayungba' and exchange of gifts which aims at fostering the bond of love between hills and valley people, he continued.
He however expressed concern over other organisations celebrating the day at other venues and said that such a celebration cannot be called 'Mera Houchongba' and it could mislead and leave a false impression to the people in and outside the State.
The functions should be simply called a 'gift exchange programme in connection with the celebration at Sanakonung' or any other but not 'Mera Houchongba' celebration as the actual rituals are not included in those functions, he said.
The celebration (held annually on the full moon day of the Meitei lunar month of Mera) not only strengthens and consolidates the relations between different hills and valley people but also provides a platform to promote the traditional clothes and products, he continued. He also expressed regret over the COVID-19 situation which has forced to scale down the celebration and  enabling fewer hills representatives and attendees to take part in it. He also prayed for a better celebration next year.