While the whole country celebrates the Holi festival which coincides with the five-day Yaoshang festival of Manipur, people of Manipur, deeply wounded by a year-long communal crisis, have chosen a path of solemn reflection over celebration this year.
The crisis, which erupted on May 3, 2023, during a solidarity rally in Churachandpur district, has left a deep scar on the psyche of Manipur. With over 200 lives lost, over 60,000 individuals displaced, and countless houses and structures reduced to ashes, the wounds of the community are still raw and bleeding.
In a state where festivals are a way of life, the decision to drop the usual celebrations speaks volumes about the resilience and unity of the people of Manipur. Rather than letting the crisis divide them further, they are choosing to come together, to mourn, to heal, and most importantly, to demand peace.
Gone are the usual entertainment events and revelries that mark the festival, though its ritual processes are being carried out in some temples and localities.
Speaking to some of the residents of Manipur, the pain and anguish are palpable.
SO of Shri Shri Govindaji Temple Board, M Barish Sharma, shared his thoughts saying, "It's heartbreaking to see our state torn apart by violence. Yaoshang is a time when we come together to celebrate our culture and traditions, but this year, it feels wrong to indulge in festivities when so many are suffering."
Celebrating Yaoshang in its full glory this year would be a mockery of their pain and grief, he said, adding this year the Govindji Temple celebrate the Yaoshang/Holi in a low key manner limited to only ritual proceedings.
The sentiment is not limited to Yaoshang alone. The valley brethren in Manipur have also chosen to forgo other festivals like Ningol Chakouba, Kang, Eid, and more, as a mark of respect and solidarity with those affected by the crisis.
The collective decision to forego the cherished Yaoshang, along with other revered festivals like Ningol Chakouba Kang and Eid, is a profound symbol of respect and solidarity towards those bearing the brunt of the ongoing crisis.
