Umang Lai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) has imposed a ban on the inclusion of “Thabal Chongba” in the observance of Lai Haraoba festival in Manipur.
Action will be taken against any Lai committees who break the protocol as imposed by UKAL during the observance of the ritualistic festival (Lai Haraoba), said convenor of UKAL Mutum Maniton while speaking to the media on Friday in Imphal.
During Lai Haraoba observance, there are certain ritual performances by Amaiba/Amaibi (priest) and Hao/Tangkgul Saba, which are not comfortable for the public to watch, stating this, the convenor also appealed to organising committees of Lai Haraoba to conduct such enactments in close door.
UKAL further appealed to all the Lai Haraoba committees to strictly follow the SOP and COVID-19 protocols laid down by the state government in observance of Lai Haraoba.
Regarding the viral video circulated in social media regarding the making of unwanted gesture by the Hao Saba during the Ebudhou Koubru Umang Lai Haraoba, secretary of Ebudhou Koubru Lai Committee of Koutruk Leisangthem Jugindro stated that the incident is unfortunate.
He explained that it is not the fault of the Hao Saba, such enactments and the costume worn by the Hao Saba is a part of the Ebudhou Koubru Umang Lai Haraoba which has been practiced since time immemorial. He, however, confessed that some uncomfortable gestures were made before the audience due to the lack of precaution by the Lai committee and influence from some audience.
The secretary appealed to the public to stop looking negatively in the observance of Ebudhou Koubru Umang Lai Haraoba as the performance done by the Hao Saba cannot be omitted, according to experts and elders.
However, in the future, such enactments which are uncomfortable to the public will be done privately, he assured.
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