Marking the Autumnal Equinox and observing the Langban Heitha Leithaba/Tarpan Ushav (offering tributes to ancestors), the forest staff of Kakching Range, Pallel, Waikhong and Wangoo Lamkhai Beat Office planted 35 Leihao (Michelia champaca) saplings around the monumental Wangoo Bhaji Leihao tree on the bank of the Manipur river at Wangoo village which is about 57 km from Imphal on Wednesday.
Autumnal Equinox falls on September 22, the astronomical day on which the Sun shines directly above the equator. On this day, the length of the day and night are the same all over the globe. From tomorrow onwards, the sun will start to shine over the Southern Hemisphere and winter season will start for the Northern Hemisphere.
September 22, which is the 16th day of Langban month of the Manipur Lunar Calendar, is the starting day of the 15-day long Tarpan Ushav. Paying floral tributes to the departed souls of the ancestors, the staff of Kakching Forest planted the Michelia Champaca saplings around the Wangoo Bhaji Leihao tree.
Range forest officer Kakching and an environmentalist Naorem Munal Meitei said the seven Maichous, the spiritual leaders of Manipur, Lourembam Khongnangthaba, Samurou Chigong, Konok Thengra, Langol Lukhoi, Moirang Lanhanba, Maichou-Devipa and Maichou-Kharam Thadoi once predicted that if the Wangoo Bhaji Leihao starts sprouting after drying up, then that is the sign of their reincarnation on the ‘Meitrabak.’
The monumental tree, Wangoo Bhaji Leihao which dried up is now sprouting again, bearing flowers healthily since for the past some years, he added.
The Leihao saplings plantation was organised as a part of the offering of the Tarpan Ushav to the departed souls of the forefathers and to save the environment. Munal also appealed to everyone to take part at such a rare occasion by planting seedlings for the sake of the mother earth and the future generations.
