Annual Community festivals of Manipur

Gaan-Ngai

Time of the year – January

The Gaan- Ngai is a festival of the Kabui Nagas in Manipur. It is also described as a new year festival and marks the end of the year and the beginning of the new year. The Gaan Ngai is a post harvest festival when the granaries are full, the landscape is dry and the whole village is free from all agricultural activities. It’s a time for celebration, festivity, and worship of the God and honouring of the dead.

 

Lui- Ngai – Ni

Time of the year – 15^th Feb every year

A festival of great revelry, it is celebrated by the Tangkhul Naga tribe every year. A festival celebrated during the season of spring signifying the sowing of seeds and the start of the year for the Tangkhul Nagas. During the festival, the gods of crops are invoked to pour their blessings on the seeds sown so that they grow to bear fruits for a copious harvest. The blessing of the almighty is besought through dances, songs and rituals.

 

Yaosang (Dol – Jatra)

Time of the year – March

Yaosang is a festival celebrated in Manipur for five days in spring, starting on the full moon day of the month of Lamda. Yaosang is considered the most important festival for the Meiteis of Manipur. Like Holi, the Hindu Meitei of Manipur play with colours during this festival. The main highlight of the festival is the Thabal Chongba (a folk dance). During the first day of the festival, young boys and girls go from door to door and collect money and spend it on celebrations. This is a part of the tradition during this joyous festival.

Cheiraoba

Time of the year – April

A lunar new year festival known as Meetei Cheiraoba or Sajibu Cheiraoba, it is celebrated by people who follow the Sanamahi religion in Manipur. The day begins with rituals and offerings of fruits, vegetables, rice and other uncooked food items to the Meitei deity Lainingthou Sanamahi. After receiving blessings an even number of dishes are prepared using the offerings. After the dishes for the feast are made, they are offered at two different traditional locations around the hosue: one at the front and the other at the rear of the house.

 

Lai Haraoba –

Time of the year – May/June

An important religious festival celebrated in honour of the sylvan deities known as Umang Lai, the festival represents the worship of traditional deities and ancestors. As a part of the customs, a number of men and women dance in front of the ancient divinities. The Lai Haraoba of God- Thanjing, the ruling deity of Moirang, is the most famous one and attracts huge gatherings. The name Lai Haraoba in Meitei language literally translates to “Festivity of the Gods”.

 

Rath Jatra –

Time of the year – July

A popular festival celebrated by the Meitei community in the state. This holy festival is typically the Manipuri version of the Rath Jatra in Odisha’s Lord Jagannath temple at Puri. Celebrated for  about 10 days, the journey is accompanied by the music of drums, bells, conch, and gongs played by the pilgrims.

Hekhru Hitongba

Time of the year – September

The Heikru Hitongba festival is an annual festival celebrated with a boat race that takes place on the canal of Shri BIjoy Govindajee Temple, IMphal West. Narrow longboats are used for this race which accommodates a large number of rowers. The spirit of the crew members are high and the entire race is full of vigors.

Mera Houchongba –

Time of the Year – October

Strength lies in numbers, and this festival aims to reinforce that. The Mera Houchongba fosters brotherhood and collaboration in the princely state of Manipur. People from various communities inhabiting both the hills and plains, irrespective of caste, creed or colour, bring goods available in their region and assemble at the Kangla.

 

Kut Festival

Time of the year – 1^st November every year

Celebrated by the tribes of Kuki-Chin-Mizo. An autumn festival where all tribal groups of Manipur come together. The Kut festival thanks the deities for providing a good harvest. Observed with much zeal, this festival is an amazing event.

 

Ningol Chakkouba

Time of the year – November

A social festival celebrated to reinforce the bond between a married woman and their paternal family. The Meiteis celebrate this festival every year by welcoming their married daughters along with their children to enjoy a sumptuous feast at home. The name Ningol Chakkouba literally translate to “inviting the daughters for a meal”. It is a much-awaited occasion for family reunions.